After a temporary shutdown, OpenAI has breathed new life into its robotics division. Hardware director Caitlin Kalinowski revealed OpenAI’s intention to build its robotic prototypes, as indicated by the company’s refreshed job descriptions.
The once-dissolved robotics team now aims to create adaptive, versatile robots equipped with custom sensor suite capable of handling real-world scenarios. Bolstering these robots are new sensor and computational elements, powered by AI models engineered within OpenAI.
These job postings hint at a diverse range of robotic forms, integrating advanced hardware and software to overcome physical constraints of the real-world. OpenAI is hinted at utilizing contractors for testing its robotic prototypes, suggesting that these robots might even possess limbs.
A hint on humanoid construction exists, with the aspiration of these robots to enter full-scale production on a successful milestone. OpenAI’s optimism reflects in the desired engineer profile that includes experience in creating high-volume mechanical systems.
Robotic technology has undoubtedly captured the interest of investors, amassing a massive $6.4bn from venture capitals last year. Bright Machines, Collaborative Robotics, Carbon Robotics, and Bear Robotics are some of the firms carving their niche successfully. Equally intriguing are humanoid robots such as X1 and Figure, backed by OpenAI, projected to factory-produce near-future.
Challenges persist, but OpenAI’s commitment to the hardware domain isn’t limited to robots. Collaborations with tech pioneer Jony Ive and an in-house custom chip for its AI models highlight the expansive growth of OpenAI’s hardware ambition.
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