Industry Odisha Bureau, Oct 19: OpenAI is developing humanoid robots, with CEO Sam Altman suggesting that the company could showcase a demonstration in 2027. The move signals the artificial intelligence company’s interest in expanding beyond AI models into robotics.
Speaking on the Sources podcast, Altman said humanoid robots could be well suited to environments designed for people. “The world is very much designed for people,” he said, adding that matching the human form factor made sense.
In an interview with Fortune, Altman indicated that OpenAI could have a demonstration ready in 2027. However, he cautioned that humanoid robots are unlikely to become commonplace in the immediate future, saying robots would not be walking the streets for a few more years.
Altman did not disclose the robot’s design or capabilities. Instead, he stressed that developing the AI system powering the machine would be more important than its physical appearance. Humanoid robots use AI models to interpret information from cameras and sensors, plan actions and coordinate movements through their arms, legs and fingers.
OpenAI reportedly established a humanoid robotics lab last year to develop AI models for robotic systems. The company is also said to have 27 robotics vacancies covering areas such as motion control, whole-robot behaviour, manufacturing and supply-chain operations.
The initiative builds on OpenAI’s earlier Dactyl research, which trained a robotic hand in simulation to manipulate physical objects. The company later demonstrated the technology by having the hand solve a Rubik’s Cube.
OpenAI is entering a competitive field, with companies in China making rapid progress. Tesla has been developing its Optimus humanoid, while Unitree has demonstrated robots capable of sprinting. Xpeng has also showcased its IRON humanoid walking autonomously off a production line after assembly.
OpenAI has yet to reveal the robot’s appearance, intended applications or development schedule beyond Altman’s suggested 2027 demonstration.
