SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA / RankWire.AI / – OpenAI is venturing into the realm of humanoid robotics as part of its effort to incorporate artificial intelligence into tangible, physical forms. In an interview on Fortune’s Sources podcast, Chief Executive Sam Altman confirmed that the company aims to showcase a compelling demo prototype by 2027. While the company anticipates it will take additional years for robots to operate on public streets, Altman clarified that the final design and specific functionalities of the robot remain undisclosed.
According to Altman, the primary obstacle lies in developing the robot’s cognitive system. This system must be capable of comprehending the real world, making informed decisions, and executing tasks with precision. Physical characteristics like form factor are less critical than the intelligence that directs the machine, Altman emphasized. He pointed out that a humanlike design is suitable for environments tailored for humans, such as doors, keyboards, and equipment. Nevertheless, OpenAI plans to produce robots in other physical configurations as well, Altman added.
OpenAI is actively recruiting specialists to develop AI algorithms and motion control technologies for robots that engage with their physical surroundings. According to BigGo Finance, the company’s careers page currently lists 27 open positions related to robotics. These roles include motion control, state estimation, actuator control, full-body movement, and the infrastructure needed for training embodied AI. Job advertisements reveal that the team is developing mechatronic actuators internally, and there are also openings focused on manufacturing and hardware supply chain logistics for large-scale production.
Development of versatile robots for everyday use
OpenAI’s goal is to create general-purpose robots capable of handling a broad spectrum of tasks. A recent job posting details a near-term objective of designing robots that assist skilled workers in infrastructure construction. The long-term vision envisions personal robots that support individuals in daily activities. Altman expressed that everyone should have access to a personal robot, which will require systems that can understand their environments and respond efficiently and safely to unforeseen situations.
This robotics initiative extends OpenAI’s efforts beyond just software and AI infrastructure. The company’s interest in robotics isn’t recent; in 2019, its researchers trained a robotic hand to solve a Rubik’s Cube. That team was later disbanded, but OpenAI’s startup fund has since invested in humanoid developers such as 1X and Figure AI. However, Figure AI ended its partnership with OpenAI in February 2025 to focus solely on its own AI model development.
Growing competition in physical AI innovation
OpenAI enters a competitive landscape filled with companies racing to develop humanoid robots. Tesla is working on its Optimus robot, while Figure AI has introduced its Figure 03 model. Chinese automaker XPeng has started manufacturing its IRON humanoid, and chipmaker Nvidia has expanded its physical AI work with robotics partners globally. Altman’s remarks suggest that OpenAI intends to differentiate itself by emphasizing the intelligence guiding its hardware rather than solely focusing on physical design.
The company has not revealed what its 2027 demonstration will entail nor what the robot’s appearance will be. Details regarding pricing and the timing of the product launch remain undisclosed. Altman noted that building manufacturing capacity and infrastructure must come first, and that personal robots are not an immediate priority. OpenAI continues to hire engineers for its robotics division, with widespread deployment in homes and public areas anticipated to take several more years.