OpenAI is developing a humanoid robot alongside new dedicated hardware devices. Chief Executive Sam Altman confirmed the project during an interview with Fortune magazine, promising a public preview in 2027. But seeing these machines walking down public streets will still require several more years of engineering.
The company plans to showcase a working prototype in 2027. Altman described the upcoming preview as a cool demonstration focused on machine movement and artificial intelligence integration. OpenAI restarted its internal robotics division in 2025 after a 5 year pause. Hiring records since then show a steady influx of engineers focused on humanoid systems and domestic helper technology.
Robotics is not the only physical product in the pipeline. OpenAI is also working on 2 separate hardware devices to change how people interact with software models. One product is designed for a desk setup while the other is a portable device meant for daily travel.
Altman pointed out that company staff are rapidly moving away from traditional keyboards. Engineers are now using voice commands for complex coding and system instructions. While official availability for these devices remains unannounced, earlier reports indicated that 1 of the consumer gadgets could appear before the end of 2026.
