Sam Altman Confirms OpenAI's Humanoid Robot R&D Plans

OpenAI is now independently researching and developing humanoid robots. CEO Sam Altman confirmed this on the "Sources" podcast. He stated OpenAI will build humanoid robots and other forms of robots. This ends speculation about OpenAI's role in robotics. Previously, they focused on being a model provider and investor. Altman explained that humanoid forms are practical because the world is designed for humans. Things like doorknobs and stairs are built for human interaction. However, home companion robots are not an immediate priority. OpenAI is focusing on industrial uses, like assisting workers in data centers. They will also develop specialized robots for these tasks. Altman believes the "brain" of the robot is the most critical part. OpenAI has explored robotics before. In 2017, they researched transferring virtual learning to real robots. Their robotic hand Dactyl could rotate blocks in 2018, and by 2019, it could solve a Rubik's Cube. But around 2020, OpenAI stopped this original robotics research. This development could significantly change the future of robotics and how they interact with our human-centric world.