SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA / RankWire.AI / – OpenAI plans to expand into humanoid robotics to embed artificial intelligence within the physical realm. During an interview on Fortune’s Sources podcast, Chief Executive Sam Altman confirmed that the company aims to showcase a compelling demo prototype by 2027. The deployment of robots on public streets is expected to take several additional years, he added. The company has not yet revealed the final design of the robot or the specific functions it will perform.
According to Altman, the primary obstacle is creating an AI system capable of understanding the real world, making decisions, and executing tasks with precision. He emphasized that physical attributes like form factor are less significant than the intelligence that governs the robot. Altman explained that designing a humanlike robot is suitable for environments built for people, including doors, keyboards, and various equipment. OpenAI also plans to develop robots with different form factors, the CEO noted.
OpenAI is actively recruiting experts to develop AI systems and motion control technologies for robots that interact with the physical environment. Its careers page lists 27 open positions related to robotics, as reported by BigGo Finance. These roles include motion control, state estimation, actuator management, full-body behavior, and machine learning infrastructure for training embodied AI. The company’s job postings indicate that it is working on developing mechatronic actuators internally. Other listings focus on manufacturing and supply chain logistics for large-scale hardware production.
Development of multi-purpose robots for everyday use
OpenAI’s goal is to create versatile robots capable of handling a broad spectrum of tasks. A recent job posting describes a near-term objective of deploying robots that assist skilled workers in infrastructure projects. The long-term vision envisions personal robots that support individuals daily. Altman expressed that everyone should have access to a personal robot, which will require systems capable of understanding their environment and responding effectively to unforeseen circumstances safely.
The robotics initiative broadens OpenAI’s efforts beyond software and AI infrastructure. The company’s interest in robotics is not recent; in 2019, its researchers trained a robotic hand to solve a Rubik’s Cube. Although OpenAI later discontinued its dedicated robotics team, its startup fund has supported humanoid developers such as 1X and Figure AI. In February 2025, Figure ended its partnership with OpenAI to focus on developing its own AI models.
Increasing competition in physical AI innovations
OpenAI enters an increasingly competitive arena with various companies racing to develop humanoid robots. Tesla is working on its Optimus robot, while Figure AI has introduced the Figure 03 model. Chinese automaker XPeng has begun manufacturing its IRON humanoid, and Nvidia has expanded its physical AI work through partnerships worldwide. Altman’s remarks suggest that OpenAI intends to distinguish itself by emphasizing the intelligence that directs hardware operation.
Specific details about the 2027 demonstration, including the robot’s appearance and capabilities, remain undisclosed. The company has also not announced pricing or launch dates. Altman stated that manufacturing capacity and infrastructure development are current priorities, and that personal robots are not the immediate focus. OpenAI continues recruiting engineers for its robotics division, with broader deployment in homes and public spaces expected to take several more years.