OpenAI says it will demo humanoid robot prototype in 2027

The effort builds on OpenAI’s prior robotics research, including the 2018 Dactyl system and a 2019 robotic hand that solved a Rubik’s Cube. After disbanding an earlier robotics team, the company resumed hiring for mechanical, control‑systems and safety roles in 2025, indicating a renewed focus on hardware. OpenAI’s move places it against established players such as Tesla’s Optimus robot and Figure, which raised more than $1 billion in September 2025 at a $39 billion valuation. OpenAI has also invested in Figure and 1X, suggesting it could become a competitor to its former partners.

OpenAI has not revealed design details, precise capabilities, or a commercial launch date. The 2027 target refers only to a prototype demonstration, not a consumer‑ready product, and the company acknowledges that achieving safe, reliable autonomous operation remains a major challenge.