SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA / RankWire.AI / – OpenAI is moving into the field of humanoid robotics, aiming to integrate artificial intelligence into physical forms. In an interview on Fortune’s Sources podcast, Chief Executive Sam Altman confirmed the company’s intentions, revealing they expect to showcase a compelling demo prototype by 2027. The deployment of robots on public streets will take additional years, Altman added. The organization has yet to share details about the final design of the robot or the specific functions it will perform.
According to Altman, the primary hurdle is developing the robot’s brain. This system must interpret real-world data, make decisions, and execute tasks with precision. Altman emphasized that physical characteristics, such as shape and size, are less significant than the intelligence controlling the machine. He noted that a humanlike design is suitable for environments designed for people, including doors, keyboards, and equipment. OpenAI also plans to develop robots in alternative form factors, as stated by Altman.
The organization is actively hiring experts to create AI systems and motion control technologies for robots that operate in the physical environment. According to BigGo Finance, its careers page lists 27 open positions related to robotics. These roles include motion control, state estimation, actuator management, full-body behavior, and machine learning infrastructure for training embodied AI. Job advertisements mention that the team is developing mechatronic actuators internally, while other openings focus on manufacturing processes and supply chain management for large-scale hardware production.
Robots designed for versatile everyday tasks
OpenAI’s goal is to create general-purpose robots capable of handling a broad spectrum of activities. A recent job posting describes an immediate goal of deploying robots to assist skilled workers in infrastructure construction. In the longer term, the company envisions personal robots that support individuals in daily life. Altman expressed that everyone should have a personal robot, which will require systems capable of understanding their surroundings and responding effectively and safely to unforeseen situations.
This robotics initiative broadens OpenAI’s reach beyond software development and AI infrastructure. The company’s interest in robotics is not new; in 2019, its researchers trained a robotic hand to solve a Rubik’s Cube. Although that robotics team was later disbanded, OpenAI’s startup fund has since invested in humanoid developers 1X and Figure AI. In February 2025, Figure terminated its collaboration agreement with OpenAI to focus on its own AI models.
Increasing competition in the physical AI sector
OpenAI faces stiff competition from several 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. Chipmaker Nvidia has also expanded its physical AI work with robotics partners worldwide. Altman’s remarks suggest that OpenAI intends to differentiate itself by prioritizing the intelligence that governs the hardware rather than just the hardware itself.
The company has not revealed what its 2027 demonstration will feature, nor what the robot’s appearance will be. Pricing details and the timeline for launching its machines remain undisclosed. Altman stated that manufacturing capacity and infrastructure are prerequisites, and that personal robots are not the immediate focus. The organization continues to recruit engineers for its robotics team, with widespread deployment in homes and public areas expected to take several more years.