According to sources, OpenAI has recently been discussing the development of its own humanoid robot. This information was reported by The Information and cited two individuals with direct knowledge of the matter. As the developer of ChatGPT, OpenAI has already ventured into related fields, primarily through financial support. So far, the company has invested in Figure, 1X, and Physical Intelligence, a firm focused on "general artificial intelligence."
However, in 2021, OpenAI quietly shut down its robotics division, putting this ambitious plan on hold. Over the past three years, both hardware and the AI systems driving them have made significant advancements. If OpenAI were to restart its robotics division, it would need to catch up in this highly competitive emerging field, even without acquiring large startups.
Recently, The Information reported that OpenAI employees have once again raised the possibility of developing a humanoid robot. Two direct sources confirmed these discussions to the publication. Specific details about this potential project are currently unclear, including the timeline for launching the robot and its intended applications.
Currently, a few startups developing humanoid robots are mainly focusing on two application areas: improving warehouse efficiency through automated tasks, such as moving goods between different areas, and assisting consumers with household chores. OpenAI has invested in several companies working on these applications.
In February, the developer of ChatGPT participated in a $625 million funding round for Figure AI Inc., valuing the company at $2.6 billion. Figure's latest humanoid robot, Figure 02, uses an AI model co-developed with OpenAI to process voice commands from warehouse workers. Earlier this year, BMW tested Figure 02 in an automobile factory, using it to move metal parts.
OpenAI is also an investor in 1X, a Norwegian company and competitor to Figure. 1X has developed a humanoid robot called EVE, which can travel at speeds up to 9.8 miles per hour on two wheels. The company is currently developing a second, slower consumer-focused robot capable of performing a wider range of tasks.
For OpenAI, collaborating with startups like 1X or Figure to develop a humanoid robot might be faster than starting from scratch. OpenAI's investments in the humanoid robot sector could help it find design partners. Additionally, OpenAI could use part of its recently raised $6.6 billion to acquire existing market players.
OpenAI is no stranger to robotics. Until 2021, the company operated a division dedicated to developing autonomous machine AI models. The division achieved several research milestones before its closure. In one project, OpenAI researchers trained a robotic arm to solve a Rubik's Cube. The company also open-sourced Roboschool, a set of simulation tools for training onboard AI software for robots, with some tools specifically focused on developing humanoid robots.
If the plan comes to fruition, OpenAI's efforts in robotics could benefit from its work on custom AI chips. According to Reuters, the company is collaborating with Broadcom and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company to develop inference processors. Theoretically, OpenAI could leverage these partnerships to commission another custom chip to optimize the performance of its humanoid robot's onboard AI software. Custom processors are generally better suited to the requirements of the host device, thus outperforming off-the-shelf silicon chips.
