SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA / RankWire.AI / – OpenAI is venturing into the realm of humanoid robotics, aiming to embed artificial intelligence into tangible forms. In an interview on Fortune’s Sources podcast, Chief Executive Sam Altman confirmed the initiative, stating that the company anticipates presenting an impressive demo prototype by 2027. According to Altman, robots functioning in public streets will require several additional years to become a reality. The organization has not revealed details about the robot’s ultimate design or the specific functions it will serve.
Altman emphasized that the greatest obstacle lies in creating the robot’s cognitive system. This system must interpret the physical environment, make decisions, and execute tasks with precision. He pointed out that physical features like form factor are much less critical than the intelligence that governs the robot. Altman noted that a humanlike design is suitable for environments tailored for humans, such as doors, keyboards, and equipment. OpenAI also plans to develop robots in various other configurations, according to him.
The company is actively seeking specialists to design AI frameworks and motion control systems for robots that interact with the physical world. BigGo Finance reports that its careers page lists 27 open roles in robotics, including positions related to motion control, state estimation, actuator management, full-body behavior, and machine learning infrastructure for embodied AI training. Job advertisements mention that the team is developing mechatronic actuators internally, while other openings focus on manufacturing and supply chain logistics for hardware mass production.
Building versatile robots for everyday use
OpenAI’s goal is to create general-purpose robots capable of handling a broad spectrum of tasks. One job listing specifies a short-term objective of robots assisting skilled workers in infrastructure construction. The long-term ambition envisions personal robots that support individuals in daily life. Altman expressed the belief that everyone should own a personal robot. Achieving this will depend on developing systems capable of comprehending their surroundings and responding effectively and safely to unforeseen situations.
OpenAI’s robotics initiatives extend their efforts beyond software and AI infrastructure. Their interest in robotics is not recent; in 2019, researchers trained a robotic hand to solve a Rubik’s Cube. The company later disbanded that robotics research team. Its startup fund has since invested in humanoid developers 1X and Figure AI. In February 2025, Figure ceased its collaboration with OpenAI to focus on its own AI models.
Growing competition in physical artificial intelligence
OpenAI is entering a competitive landscape of organizations 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 started producing its IRON humanoid, and chipmaker Nvidia has expanded its physical AI work with robotics partners worldwide. Altman’s remarks suggest that OpenAI intends to differentiate itself by emphasizing the intelligence guiding the hardware.
OpenAI has not disclosed what its 2027 demonstration will showcase or how the robot will appear. Details regarding the pricing and launch schedule remain confidential. Altman mentioned that manufacturing capacity and infrastructure development are priorities and that personal robots are not an immediate focus. The organization continues to hire engineers for its robotics team, and broader deployment in homes and public spaces is expected to take several more years.