Quick Summary of the Core Content
In simple terms, the entire industry used to assume that OpenAI, as the leader in large-scale AI models, would simply provide AI capabilities to various robotics companies, earning easy profits from the upstream model market. However, OpenAI has recently announced that it will now get directly involved in building humanoid robots, moving beyond its role as a software supplier. This decision wasn’t made on a whim. Six years ago, OpenAI tried to develop robots, but it gave up due to the high cost of training data in the physical world. It also attempted to collaborate with robotics companies through investment, only for those partners to later switch to developing their own robots and become competitors. With current technological advancements, OpenAI is targeting the next major opportunity for AI to penetrate the physical world. The initial focus is not on household robots but on industrial robots that can assist in operating its own data centers. The ultimate goal is to extend AI’s capabilities from the digital world of smartphones and computers to all real-world production and daily life scenarios.
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Detailed Analysis
1. OpenAI’s Interest in Humanoid Robots is Not About Creating “Cute, Internet-Famous Toys”
Many people assume that humanoid robots will be used for tasks like delivering food or acting as household helpers, but OpenAI’s intentions are different. The reality is that the design of our homes, door handles, stairs, and kitchen appliances is all based on human body proportions and usage habits. Creating a square, alien-looking robot would require drastic changes to the existing environment, increasing costs significantly. By designing robots with a structure similar to the human body, OpenAI can make them function seamlessly in the current setup—opening doors, climbing stairs, and performing tasks without any adjustments.
Moreover, OpenAI’s first focus is not on selling robots to ordinary households. The most urgent need is in its own data centers, where tasks like setting up servers and maintaining equipment are currently done by expensive, skilled workers who are prone to accidents. By developing specialized robots for data centers, OpenAI can reduce costs and then expand this technology to other industrial applications.
2. Why Did OpenAI Give Up on Robotics Six Years Ago and Now Try Again?
In 2019, OpenAI’s robot was capable of solving puzzles with one hand, making it a highlight in the robotics field. However, the team was disbanded in 2020 due to the challenges of training robots. The problem of obtaining high-quality training data for physical actions (e.g., learning to handle cups) was unsolvable at the time. Now, with multi-modal models that can understand video footage and video generation tools that can create simulated training data, the obstacle has been overcome. This new approach makes developing robots more cost-effective.
3. Why Did Previous Partners Withhold Cooperation?
Before deciding to develop its own robots, OpenAI hoped to partner with robotics companies, providing them with its advanced AI models while focusing on software development. However, this strategy failed. For example, in 2023, OpenAI invested in the humanoid company 1X and in 2024, it invested over $600 million in Figure. Yet, within a year, Figure announced the end of its partnership and began developing its own AI models, aiming to compete with OpenAI. The reason is simple: the software and hardware of robots are inseparable. Without direct control over hardware, OpenAI couldn’t ensure the robots’ proper functioning. Robotics companies realized that they needed to control the entire development process to maintain competitiveness.
4. OpenAI’s Determination to Enter the Robotics Market
OpenAI’s investment in robotics is driven by the potential to create a new, trillion-dollar market. Current large-scale AI models are limited to digital tasks but cannot interact with the physical world. Humanoid robots offer a gateway for AI to enter this realm. If successful, they could replace millions of jobs in factories, warehouses, and households, expanding the market significantly. OpenAI’s goal is to become a superpower that can transform the real world through technology.
5. Building Humanoid Robots is More Than Just Scaling Up ChatGPT
While OpenAI’s AI is top-notch, building humanoid robots is far more complex than simply installing it in a shell. Each component (motors, sensors, cooling systems, safety measures, supply chain) requires extensive practical experience. Companies like Tesla, Yushu Technology, and Ubot have been working on hardware for years, while OpenAI is still in the early stages. OpenAI’s advantage lies in its AI capabilities, but it faces significant challenges in hardware development.
6. OpenAI’s Chances of Success
Although OpenAI has a strong AI foundation, building humanoid robots is a different challenge. Existing players in the hardware field (e.g., Tesla, Yushu Technology) have years of experience. OpenAI’s success depends on its ability to integrate AI with hardware effectively and overcome technical hurdles. The race to dominate this market is intense, but starting with its familiar data center context gives it a competitive advantage.
In summary, OpenAI’s move into robotics is a strategic attempt to capture the next major market opportunity for AI. While its AI is powerful, the task of building practical, reliable humanoid robots is a complex one that requires both software and hardware expertise. Only time will tell whether OpenAI can succeed in this new endeavor.