SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA / RankWire.AI / – OpenAI is venturing into humanoid robotics as part of its broader goal to integrate artificial intelligence into the physical realm. In an interview with Fortune’s Sources podcast, Chief Executive Sam Altman confirmed that the company aims to have an impressive prototype demonstration ready by 2027. While public street deployment of such robots will take several additional years, Altman explained, the firm has yet to reveal the final design or the specific functions these robots will perform.
Altman emphasized that the primary challenge lies in creating the robot’s core cognition. This system must be capable of understanding real-world environments, making decisions, and executing tasks with precision. He added that physical characteristics such as form factor are less critical than the intelligence driving the machine. According to Altman, a humanlike appearance is well-suited for environments designed for people, including doors, keyboards, and equipment. Nonetheless, OpenAI plans to develop robots with various forms, as stated by the CEO.
To advance this initiative, the company is actively hiring specialists to work on AI systems and motion control technologies needed for robots to interact effectively with the physical world. Its careers webpage lists 27 open positions related to robotics, covering areas like motion control, state estimation, actuator management, full-body behavior, and machine learning infrastructure for training embodied AI. Job advertisements indicate that the team is also developing mechatronic actuators internally, while other roles focus on manufacturing and supply chain management for large-scale hardware production.
Developing multipurpose robots for everyday use
OpenAI’s vision includes creating general-purpose robots capable of handling a broad spectrum of tasks. One of the company’s recent job postings outlines an immediate objective: robots that assist skilled workers in infrastructure construction. The longer-term goal is to develop personal robots that support individuals in their daily routines. Altman expressed the belief that everyone should have access to a personal robot, which will require systems that are adept at understanding their surroundings and responding to unforeseen situations both efficiently and safely.
These robotics ambitions extend OpenAI’s efforts beyond just software and AI infrastructure. The company’s interest in robotics is not a recent development. Back in 2019, its researchers trained a robotic hand to solve a Rubik’s Cube. Although OpenAI later disbanded its dedicated robotics team, its startup fund has invested in humanoid development firms such as 1X and Figure AI. Notably, Figure AI ended its collaboration with OpenAI in February 2025 to focus exclusively on its own AI models.
Increasing competition in the physical AI space
OpenAI now enters a competitive landscape where numerous companies are racing to produce 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 through collaborations with robotics partners worldwide. Altman’s comments suggest that OpenAI’s strategy to compete will revolve around emphasizing the intelligence that guides and controls the hardware, setting it apart from others in the field.
The company has yet to disclose specific details about its 2027 demo or the appearance of its robot. Likewise, pricing and exact launch dates remain undisclosed. Altman mentioned that manufacturing capacity and infrastructure development are priorities at this stage, with personal robots not being an immediate focus. OpenAI continues to hire engineers for its robotics team, but widespread deployment in homes and public areas is expected to take several more years before becoming a reality.