SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA / RankWire.AI / – OpenAI is venturing into the realm of humanoid robotics as part of its broader goal to integrate artificial intelligence into the physical environment. In an interview on Fortune’s Sources podcast, Chief Executive Sam Altman confirmed the company’s plans, stating that they aim to showcase a convincing demo prototype by 2027. According to Altman, robots that operate publicly will take additional years to develop fully. The company has not yet revealed the robot’s final design or the specific functions it will serve.
Altman highlighted that the main obstacle lies in creating the robot’s neural system, which must accurately interpret the real world, make decisions, and execute tasks reliably. He emphasized that physical characteristics, like shape and size, are less critical than the intelligence that drives the robot. Altman noted that a humanlike appearance is suitable for environments designed for humans, including doors, keyboards, and equipment, but OpenAI will also explore robots with alternative forms, he added.
To support these efforts, the company is hiring experts to develop AI systems and motion control technologies for robots that interact with the physical world. According to BigGo Finance, its careers page currently lists 27 open robotics positions, which include roles in motion control, state estimation, actuator control, full-body behavior, and machine learning infrastructure for training embodied AI. The listings also mention in-house development of mechatronic actuators and focus areas such as manufacturing and supply chain management for large-scale hardware production.
Development of versatile robots for everyday use
OpenAI’s goal is to create general-purpose robots capable of handling a broad spectrum of tasks. One job posting describes a short-term objective for robots that assist skilled workers with infrastructure construction. The long-term vision involves personal robots that support individuals in their daily routines. Altman expressed that everyone should have access to a personal robot, which will require systems that can comprehend their environment and respond efficiently and safely to unexpected situations.
These plans for robotics extend OpenAI’s efforts beyond software and AI infrastructure. The company’s interest in robotics is not new; its researchers trained a robotic hand to solve a Rubik’s Cube in 2019 before shutting down that team. Since then, its startup fund has invested in humanoid developers 1X and Figure AI. However, Figure AI ended its collaboration with OpenAI in February 2025 to focus on its own AI models.
Rising competition in the physical AI sector
OpenAI faces intense competition from numerous 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 begun manufacturing its IRON humanoid, and Nvidia has expanded its physical AI work with robotics partners worldwide. Altman’s remarks suggest that OpenAI’s strategy will focus on the intelligence that powers the hardware to differentiate itself in this competitive landscape.
The company has not disclosed what its 2027 demonstration will entail or how the robot will appear. Details about pricing and product launch dates also remain under wraps. Altman stated that manufacturing capacity and infrastructure development are priorities at this stage, and that personal robots are not an immediate concern. The company continues to recruit engineers for its robotics division, with a broader deployment in homes and public spaces expected to take several more years.