# OpenAI aims to use robots to build data centers by 2027

Digest AI · Robotics & Physical AI · published 2026-10-29T07:35:00Z

Canonical: https://digestai.news/story/openai-aims-to-use-robots-to-build-data-centers-by-2027

## Summary

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman said the company is developing AI-controlled robots to construct its own data centers, with a goal of self-replicating infrastructure ‘within grasp.’ The effort includes a humanoid robot demo planned for 2027, though Altman emphasized AI models as the ‘brain’ behind the physical systems. OpenAI revived its robotics labs in 2025, expanding its San Francisco facility to 100 employees and planning a second lab in Richmond, California. The initiative aligns with its Stargate project for AI computing expansion and a 2025 partnership with Foxconn for US-based hardware manufacturing.

Critics note that humanoid robotics often faces gaps between demos and real-world deployment. Altman’s ‘within grasp’ remark signals ambition rather than immediate capability. Key milestones include the Richmond lab’s opening, hiring trends, and the Foxconn hardware progress. The 2027 humanoid demo will test whether OpenAI’s ‘brain-first’ approach translates to functional, autonomous systems.

## Key points

- OpenAI plans AI-controlled robots to build its data centers, with self-replication as a long-term goal
- Humanoid robot demo expected in 2027, but Altman calls physical form secondary to AI models
- Company expanded robotics labs in 2025, hiring 100 workers in San Francisco and planning a Richmond facility

## Why it matters

If successful, OpenAI’s robotics push could slash infrastructure costs by automating construction and maintenance, but execution risks remain high. The focus on skilled labor over consumer robots shifts industry priorities toward industrial AI.

## Sources

1. [Sam Altman says OpenAI aims to use robots to build its data centers](https://cryptobriefing.com/openai-robots-build-data-centers-altman) (cryptobriefing.com, 2026-10-29)

Part of the developing story: [OpenAI Humanoid Robot Data Center Ambitions](https://digestai.news/thread/openai-says-it-will-build-a-humanoid-robot-demo-planned-for-2027) (4 stories)

## Cite

Digest AI, "OpenAI aims to use robots to build data centers by 2027", 29 October 2026, https://digestai.news/story/openai-aims-to-use-robots-to-build-data-centers-by-2027

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