The tech world is abuzz with speculation following a viral post suggesting Sam Altman’s partnership with former Apple design chief Jony Ive could be targeting something far more revolutionary than wearable tech. The shared image appears to show designers working on a humanoid robot prototype, igniting theories that OpenAI may be making a significant push into physical robotics.
This potential development aligns perfectly with OpenAI’s previously established robotics ambitions. Automate 2025 Showcases Next-Gen Robotics to 40,000 Attendees Earlier this year, the company garnered attention by offering staggering £530K salaries to robotics engineers as part of their strategy to “make AI move in the real world.” The rumoured Altman-Ive collaboration could represent OpenAI’s calculated move to challenge rivals like Tesla and Figure in the burgeoning humanoid robot market.
Whilst no official confirmation has emerged regarding the precise nature of their hardware project, the timing is particularly noteworthy. With Altman’s ongoing rivalry with Elon Musk intensifying and AI companies increasingly seeking to bridge the divide between software and hardware capabilities, a sophisticated robot design would be a logical strategic evolution. Whatever they’re developing, it appears increasingly unlikely to be merely another fitness wearable.