OpenAI CEO Says Company Will Build Humanoid Robots and Plans 2027 IPO

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman said on a podcast on September 2 that the company will develop humanoid robots in-house and also work on other robot form factors, according to Jiemian News. He said OpenAI will simultaneously develop special-purpose robots for data centers, and that the company’s robotics effort has evolved from its world-simulation research project into OpenAI Robotics, led by Aditya Ramesh. Altman said OpenAI’s near-term focus is on robots that can help technical workers build future infrastructure, while its longer-term goal is to create personal robots that can handle a wide range of tasks. He also said OpenAI is pursuing AI hardware, with its first product nearing launch. The device, internally codenamed Gumdrop, is described as a screenless, portable AI terminal designed by former Apple chief designer Jony Ive, with handwritten note transcription, real-time voice interaction and direct ChatGPT connectivity. Jiemian News reported that OpenAI has hired hundreds of hardware engineers from Apple, Google and other companies, while Foxconn has joined prototype production and initial mass-production plans are underway. The device is expected to cost more than $300 and is planned for release in 2027. OpenAI is also developing about five hardware products in total, with the speaker-like device intended to be the first and to serve as a physical embodiment of ChatGPT. The report also said Apple sued OpenAI in July, accusing it of stealing trade secrets related to unreleased products, and later asked a federal judge in August to order OpenAI to stop using the alleged secrets and return confidential information. OpenAI denied the allegations. Separately, OpenAI CFO Sarah Friar said the company is preparing for an IPO in 2027, though the timing could move earlier if growth accelerates. She said second-quarter revenue was $6.7 billion, up 18% from the first quarter.