OpenAI unveils plans for self-developed humanoid robots and AI hardware terminal

On September 2, Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, confirmed the company's plan to develop humanoid robots and other robot bodies through full-stack self-research and development. The initiative, integrated into the OpenAI Robotics team led by Aditya Ramesh, aims to assist skilled workers in building infrastructure and eventually popularize personal assistants that deepen the collaboration between hardware and machine learning. OpenAI is also accelerating its cross-industry AI hardware ecosystem. The first hardware terminal, designed by Jonathan Ive under the internal code name 'Gumdrop,' is expected to launch in 2027 with a price exceeding $300. This screenless portable AI computer, shaped like a donut and the size of an ice hockey puck, features movable parts to enhance human-like interaction and is positioned as a 'physical embodiment' of ChatGPT. Foxconn is already involved in prototype production, with about five products under development. Despite rapid expansion and preparations for a 2027 IPO, OpenAI faces challenges, including legal disputes with Apple over alleged trade secret theft and slowing revenue growth. While OpenAI's annualized revenue surpassed $20 billion in 2025 and reached $6.7 billion in the second quarter of 2026, operating losses continue to rise. Competitor Anthropic, meanwhile, achieved quarterly revenue exceeding $11.5 billion and operational profitability, creating market pressure on OpenAI.