OpenAI's Ambitious Hardware Plans: From AI-Powered Wearables to Humanoid Robots

OpenAI Eyes Hardware with AI-Powered Devices and Customizable Robots

Humanoid Robots and Smart Gadgets? OpenAI's New Trademark Sparks Speculation OpenAI, the San Francisco-based AI firm known for its development of cutting-edge artificial intelligence technologies, has filed a trademark application with the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) that hints at its potential entry into the consumer hardware market. The application, filed on January 31, lists a wide array of devices, including headphones, earphones, smartwatches, smart jewellery, media streaming devices, AR/VR headsets, and user-programmable humanoid robots. The development has also raised speculation that perhaps OpenAI is planning to broaden its AI capabilities to physical devices, in addition to software and services. Despite not being indicative of a company's immediate plans for the use of trademarked names, the use of such many different pieces of hardware indicates may be looking to a future in AI-driven consumer technology.

OpenAI Might Be Planning to Build AI Devices and Humanoid Robots

The CEO said these devices will built in partnership with companies OpenAI might be planning to move to the hardware space and build artificial intelligence (AI) devices, including humanoid robots. The San Francisco-based AI firm filed a trademark application with the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) last week and listed a large number of consumer gadgets that the company might build in the near future. The filing also hints at AI chipsets, augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) platforms, as well as end-to-end and cloud-to-edge solutions for software development. A new trademark application was filed on January 31 with the USPTO, where the applicant's name was OpenAI. Typically, companies file trademark applications for a variety of reasons, and the filing does not bear any additional implications. However, in OpenAI's case, the application mentions a large number of hardware devices, that potentially hint at the company's ambitions of entering the space. In the goods and services section, the application mentions devices such as earphones, headphones, smartwatches, smart jewellery, media streaming devices, AR/VR headsets, glasses, and user-programmable humanoid robots. There were also hints for AI chipsets that leverage "quantum computing resources to optimise AI model performance". Separately, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman told the South Korean outlet The Elec on Monday that the company is looking at developing generative AI-powered devices via partnerships with multiple companies. Humanoid robots have also been a topic of discussion within the company. A report from last year claimed that the company is considering developing robots that look human-like. In 2024, several job listings belonging to OpenAI were also spotted where the AI firm was looking for research engineers to join a robotics team. Notably, OpenAI is also an investor in several robotics startups, such as Figure AI, 1X Technologies, and Physical Intelligence. The mention of "user-programmed" in the application listing is also interesting. This suggests that OpenAI might be inclined towards building humanoid robots that can perform a wide range of tasks and can be customised for specific tasks. Such robots could be powered by generative AI and could be trained in simulation. Notably, Nvidia recently released its Cosmos platform that can simulate real-world scenarios to train robots and autonomous vehicles. However, just because the company has mentioned a large number of devices in the trademark filing, it does not necessarily mean that OpenAI will start building and launching these products in the next few years. As of now, there are no public records of the company working on any hardware product.

OpenAI's new trademark application hints at humanoid robots, smart jewelry, and more | TechCrunch

Last Friday, AI startup OpenAI filed a new application to trademark products associated with its brand -- "OpenAI" -- with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Normally, this wouldn't be newsworthy. Companies file for trademarks all the time. But in the application, OpenAI hints at new product lines both nearer-term and of a more speculative nature. For example, the filing lists hardware including headphones, goggles, glasses, remotes, laptop and phone cases, smartwatches, smart jewelry, and virtual and augmented reality headsets "for AI-assisted interaction, simulation, and training." OpenAI last year confirmed that it was working with former Apple designer Jony Ive on a hardware project, and the startup's CEO, Sam Altman, on Sunday told Korean outlet The Elect that OpenAI hopes to develop AI-powered consumer hardware "through partnerships with multiple companies." But in that same interview, Altman cautioned that it'd take "several years" to complete even a prototype AI device. OpenAI's trademark application also mentions robots -- specifically "user-programmable humanoid robots" and "humanoid robots having communication and learning functions for assisting and entertaining people." OpenAI recently began hiring for a new robotics team led by Caitlin Kalinowski, who joined the startup to lead hardware last November from Meta's AR glasses division. According to job listings and reporting from The Information, OpenAI is looking to test robots -- possibly humanoid in form -- powered by custom sensors and AI that can operate with human-like intelligence in real-world settings. Further down in its filing, OpenAI makes references to custom AI chips and services for "leveraging quantum computing resources to optimize AI model performance." It's long been rumored that OpenAI is creating custom chips to run its AI models. The company has a division focused on co-designing chip components, and reports suggest OpenAI aims to bring a custom chip to market with semiconductor manufacturers Broadcom and TSMC as early as 2026. OpenAI's plans for quantum computing -- assuming it has any set in stone -- are murkier. But last year, the startup added a former quantum systems architect at quantum computing startup PsiQuantum to its technical team. As The Register noted in a piece from March, quantum computing has the potential to drastically improve the efficiency of training AI models thanks to its ability to perform vast numbers of calculations simultaneously. With the computing costs of AI showing no signs of coming down anytime soon, perhaps OpenAI sees a future in training models on hardware far architecturally different than the machines on which it relies today.

OpenAI eyes the wearables business: Robots, headsets, watches and a whole lot more

A trademark application surfaces the ChatGPT maker's hardware plans - and the company has so many plans. When you think of headphones, AR/VR headsets, and smart jewelry companies OpenAI may not come to mind. However, a new trademark filing suggests that might soon change. OpenAI filed a trademark application on January 31 with the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), spotted by TechCrunch. The application includes an extensive list of software offerings, including cloud computing, machine learning, and software-as-a-service (SaaS) -- all of which are not unexpected for a company like OpenAI. However, sprinkled within the list are a significant number of hardware products. Also: ChatGPT's Deep Research just identified 20 jobs it will replace. Is yours on the list? The hardware products include earphones, headphones, sunglasses, smart watches, smart bands, smart jewelry, wearable computers, wearable cameras, digital media streaming devices, virtual and augmented reality headsets, goggles, glasses, controllers, and remotes. The common thread among these products is that they are all wearables, which align perfectly with OpenAI's current offerings. One thing that large language models (LLMs) can do very well is synthesize robust amounts of data and draw insights. Then those insights can be shared in a conversational matter and formatted to be digestible. For that reason, many AI wellness wearables on the market are already incorporating AI within their platforms. For example, the Whoop band has an OpenAI-powered Whoop Coach, a conversational chatbot you can use to learn more about your health data and life habits. Ultimately, LLMs help users make sense of the expansive data their wearables collect. Also: You can access ChatGPT Search without an account now - here's how Smart sunglasses and AR/VR headsets are another natural space for OpenAI to explore, as these products have a heavy AI presence. For example, the Meta Rayban AI and Meta Quest 3 headset incorporate Meta AI to assist you with everyday tasks, the way a more advanced AI assistant would. Other new products, such as the Halliday and Even Realities sunglasses, incorporate AI to provide similar advanced assistance, such as transcribing and translating audio in real-time. Beyond voice assistants, machine learning techniques play a role in training and enhancing the performance of AR/VR headsets for computer vision and object recognition. Another interesting item on the list was the reference to humanoid robots. The report specifically mentions, "User-programmable humanoid robots, not configured," and "Humanoid robots having communication and learning functions for assisting and entertaining people." This mention of humanoid robots aligns with OpenAI's new job listings on its robotics team made earlier this month. The positions include EE Sensing Engineer, Robotics Mechanical Design Engineer, and TPM Manager. Also: Wanted: Humans to build robots for OpenAI - and not everyone is thrilled At the time, Caitlin Kalinowski, who joined OpenAI in November to lead the robotics and consumer hardware team, said it was yet to be determined whether the focus was to be humanoid robots. She also added, in reply to a user concerned about OpenAI's entry into hardware, "Imagine being able to send a robot to do a job that's really dangerous for a human." Just yesterday, Figure AI, the robotics company, announced it was ending its partnership with OpenAI to focus on building its own in-house AI. This could now lead OpenAI to build its own robots in-house. OpenAI has grown ChatGPT into many different offerings and products, including ChatGPT for Enterprise, Gov and Edu, ChatGPT Search, and more. Hardware is the logical next frontier for the AI research company. However, that doesn't mean an OpenAI hardware offering will be on the market any time soon. It's common practice for companies to make these types of filings while exploring new ideas; often, such projects never see the light of day. Even if any of these projects do come to fruition, it could be a long roadmap before any are available to consumers. What you can expect soon is for OpenAI to continue expanding its AI software offerings, particularly in ChatGPT. In the past week alome, OpenAI unveiled its o3-mini model and Deep Research -- each one advancing the degree of assistance users can get from the chatbot.

Humanoid robots, smart jewellery and more: OpenAI is now working on AI gadgets

Among the details in the trademark filing are mentions of humanoid robots. OpenAI, the company behind the popular AI chatbot ChatGPT, has filed a trademark application with the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), and it hints at some exciting new projects. While filing for trademarks is common for companies, this one stands out because of the range of products OpenAI is exploring. The application reveals that the company might be working on hardware, including headphones, smart glasses, smartwatches, virtual and augmented reality headsets, and even smart jewellery. This move follows OpenAI's collaboration with Jony Ive, the former Apple designer, on a hardware project. OpenAI's CEO, Sam Altman, also mentioned recently that the company plans to develop AI-powered consumer gadgets in partnership with multiple companies. However, he cautioned that it might take several years before even a prototype of these devices is ready for release. Also read: OpenAI CEO Sam Altman to meet PM Modi this week: Here is everything we know so far Among the more surprising details in the trademark filing are mentions of humanoid robots. According to the application, OpenAI is specifically working on "user-programmable humanoid robots" that could communicate and learn to assist and entertain people (via TechCrunch). The company has already started recruiting for a robotics team, led by Caitlin Kalinowski, a former Meta executive. Job listings suggest that OpenAI aims to create robots with human-like intelligence that can perform tasks in real-world environments. OpenAI's trademark filing also references custom AI chips and services for quantum computing. It's been rumoured for some time that the company is working on custom chips designed to run its AI models. Reports indicate that OpenAI is collaborating with semiconductor giants like Broadcom and TSMC, with plans to release these chips by 2026. Also read: OpenAI faces legal heat in India, here's why While the trademark filing reveals some exciting possibilities, it's important to remember that such applications are often written to cover a broad range of ideas. This means that while these innovations could eventually become a reality, it might take time before they hit the market, or in some cases, the products might not be released at all.

OpenAI: Humanoid robots to smart jewellery, AI startup hints new product lines

OpenAI's trademark application also references robots, specifically "user-programmable humanoid robots" and "humanoid robots with communication and learning capabilities designed to assist and entertain people."AI startup OpenAI is hinting at new product lines, some of which are set to launch soon, while others remain more speculative. The company has filed a new trademark application with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) for products associated with its brand, OpenAI. For example, the filing includes hardware such as headphones, goggles, glasses, remotes, laptop and phone cases, smartwatches, smart jewellery, and virtual and augmented reality headsets "for AI-assisted interaction, simulation, and training." OpenAI confirmed in 2024 that it was collaborating with Jony Ive, the former Apple designer, on a hardware project. On February 3, OpenAI's CEO, Sam Altman, told a Korean news outlet, The Elect, that the company aims to create AI-powered gadgets by partnering with several other companies. However, Altman also cautioned that it would take several years before even a prototype of the device is completed. Also Read : Were Kanye West and Bianca Censori asked to leave the 2025 Grammys? Here's the truth OpenAI's recent trademark application references "user-programmable humanoid robots" and "humanoid robots with communication and learning functions" designed to assist and entertain people. Additionally, OpenAI has begun hiring for a new robotics team, led by Caitlin Kalinowski, who joined the company in November from Meta's AR glasses division. The startup is reportedly looking to develop robots, possibly humanoid in shape, that use custom sensors and AI to operate intelligently in real-world environments. Along in its filing, OpenAI mentions custom AI chips and services intended to "leverage quantum computing resources to improve AI model performance." There have long been rumours that OpenAI is developing its own custom chips to power its AI models. The company has a division dedicated to designing chip components, and reports suggest that OpenAI plans to release a custom chip, potentially in collaboration with semiconductor manufacturers Broadcom and TSMC, as early as 2026. Also Read : Why Crypto is falling sharply: What triggered Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, and XRP sell-off? OpenAI's plans for quantum computing are less clear, though the company recently added a former quantum systems architect from the quantum computing startup PsiQuantum to its technical team. As noted by British technology news site The Register, in a March article, quantum computing could significantly boost the efficiency of training AI models, thanks to its ability to handle many calculations simultaneously. Given that AI training costs are unlikely to decrease anytime soon, OpenAI may be planning for a future where models are trained on hardware quite different from the systems the company currently uses. 1. What are humanoid robots? Humanoid robots are designed to resemble and function like humans. These robots often feature advanced AI to help them communicate, learn, and respond to their environment in ways similar to how humans do. 2. What is the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office? The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) is a government agency responsible for granting patents and registering trademarks in the United States.

OpenAI Files Trademark Application for Hardware, Robots and AI Chips | PYMNTS.com

Some of these product lines could be introduced in the near term while others may be more speculative, TechCrunch reported Monday (Feb. 3). OpenAI's trademark application includes headphones, goggles, glasses, remotes, laptop and phone cases, smartwatches, smart jewelry, and virtual and augmented reality headsets, according to the report. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman said this week that the company aims to develop AI-powered consumer hardware but that doing so would take several years, per the report. The application also mentioned robots, and OpenAI began hiring for a new robotics team, the report said. Custom AI chips and quantum computing are also mentioned in the application, per the report. While OpenAI's trademark application may reveal domains the company is exploring, it doesn't necessarily indicate that the company will bring products in the categories to market, according to the report. This news came on the same day that OpenAI and the SoftBank Group announced that they agreed to establish a joint venture company that will market enterprise AI solutions to major companies in Japan. In addition, SoftBank will spend $3 billion annually to integrate new enterprise AI and existing tools like OpenAI's ChatGPT Enterprise across its group companies. OpenAI also debuted an AI tool dubbed "deep research" Monday, saying the tool is capable of performing multistep online research and "accomplishes in tens of minutes what would take a human many hours." Powered by an iteration of OpenAI's upcoming o3 AI model that is designed for web browsing and data analysis, deep research will use the company's ChatGPT chatbot to find, analyze and synthesize online sources like images, text and PDFs to create a report. It was reported Thursday (Jan. 30) that OpenAI is in talks for a $40 billion funding round that would be led by SoftBank. Some of the capital raised in the round would go toward the $18 billion OpenAI has committed to contribute to the Stargate AI infrastructure joint venture, which also includes SoftBank, and some would support OpenAI's money-losing business operations.

OpenAI Files Patent to Develop Smart Watches, Smart Jewellery & Wearable Cameras

AI startup OpenAI has filed a patent in the United States, indicating that the company is exploring the development of an array of products. These include smart watches, smart bands, smart jewellery, wearable computers and cameras, and laptop and mobile phone cases. Furthermore, the patent also lists "user-programmable humanoid robots" and "humanoid robots having communication and learning functions for assisting and entertaining people". The patent application's status is awaiting examination, which means that it has been accepted as meeting the minimum filing requirements and is in the early stages of processing. According to the document, the patent was filed on January 31. Notably, companies file broad patents to secure intellectual property rights, but not all patented innovations make it to the market. Therefore, it will be interesting to see how many of these products end up on OpenAI's product development roadmap and, eventually, the market. A report from InQuartik revealed that as of December 20, 2024, 25 patents have been publicly disclosed. This includes 21 US patents and four World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) applications. Of these, 14 US patents have already been granted. Last month, OpenAI explicitly revealed its plans to develop humanoids. For the first time, the company listed job roles related to robotics and hardware on its website. Announcing the same on X, Caitlin Kalinowski, a member of OpenAI's technical staff, said, "I just hit my two-month mark at OpenAI and can confirm the talent density, work velocity, and focus make this a really wonderful place to do technical work." The company is currently hiring a mechanical product engineer, a senior research engineer, and a systems integration electrical engineer, all of whom are focused on robotics. As per reports, OpenAI is also building a hardware device which has the potential to "replace smartphones". Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, also revealed that the company is planning to build the device in partnership with former Apple chief design officer Jony Ive. Last year, it was also reported that the partnership between OpenAI and Ive had been in the works to create a device that uses generative AI to handle complex user interactions more efficiently than traditional software. In other news, OpenAI has also launched deep research, a new capability in ChatGPT that independently conducts multi-step research on the internet. This tool can handle complex tasks in a fraction of the time it would take a human researcher.