OpenAI appears to be laying the groundwork for a major expansion beyond software. A newly filed trademark application with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) suggests the company is exploring AI-powered wearables, smart devices, and even humanoid robots.
While such filings don’t confirm immediate product launches, this move aligns with OpenAI’s growing push toward AI-integrated consumer hardware.
OpenAI has been signaling a shift toward hardware for some time. CEO Sam Altman recently told The Elec that the company is working on AI-driven consumer devices in partnership with multiple firms.
“We are exploring the development of AI-dedicated devices and want to build them through partnerships with multiple companies,” Altman said. However, he acknowledged that such products could take years to materialize.
AI Wearables and Smart Devices: OpenAI’s Expanding Scope
The trademark application lists a wide array of consumer-focused AI gadgets, including smartwatches, AI-powered glasses, smart bands, and even smart jewelry. Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) devices also appear in the filing, raising speculation that OpenAI could be preparing to enter the AI-driven wearable computing space.
OpenAI has already taken steps toward hardware development. The company has been collaborating with former Apple designer Jony Ive, with reports suggesting they are working on a consumer AI device that prioritizes natural user interaction. While details remain scarce, the filing reinforces OpenAI’s interest in creating AI-first hardware.
Humanoid Robots and AI Integration
Perhaps the most surprising aspect of the filing is the mention of “user-programmable humanoid robots” and “humanoid robots having communication and learning functions for assisting and entertaining people.”
OpenAI recently formed a new robotics division, led by Caitlin Kalinowski, a former hardware executive at Meta. The company has been hiring AI engineers specializing in sensor technology and robotic intelligence, indicating a serious commitment to real-world AI applications.
OpenAI’s potential robotics ambitions put it in direct competition with major players in the field. Tesla has been developing its Optimus humanoid robot, which is designed for automation tasks, while Boston Dynamics continues to advance its robotics solutions for industrial applications.
OpenAI’s approach, however, could focus more on human-centric AI interaction, leveraging its expertise in natural language processing and machine learning.
Custom AI Chips and Quantum Computing: OpenAI’s Hardware Strategy
Beyond consumer devices and robotics, OpenAI’s trademark filing also includes references to custom AI chips and services for leveraging quantum computing resources to optimize AI model performance.
The company has long been rumored to be developing its own AI chips, and reports confirm that OpenAI is working with TSMC and Broadcom to bring a proprietary AI processor to market by 2026. This strategic shift aligns with the broader industry trend of AI firms moving toward in-house hardware to reduce dependence on Nvidia’s GPUs.
Quantum computing is also referenced in OpenAI’s filing, though the company has yet to outline a specific plan in this area. Quantum computing holds potential for improving AI model efficiency, particularly in handling complex computations that traditional processors struggle with. In March 2024, the company hired Ben Bartlett, a quantum computing expert and former systems architect from PsiQuantum.
While commercial applications remain limited, OpenAI’s interest in this technology suggests it is considering long-term infrastructure improvements to support future AI advancements.
Competition, Regulatory Challenges, and Market Implications
As OpenAI broadens its scope, competition in the AI and robotics space continues to intensify. Apple has been integrating AI into its ecosystem, while Microsoft is heavily investing in AI cloud infrastructure.
Meanwhile, Tesla and Boston Dynamics are advancing robotics capabilities, and emerging AI companies like DeepSeek are pushing alternative AI models that are more cost-efficient than OpenAI’s solutions.
At the same time, OpenAI’s business model is under regulatory scrutiny. Microsoft, OpenAI’s largest investor, is currently facing an EU antitrust investigation over its $13 billion investment in OpenAI, with regulators examining whether the partnership creates an unfair advantage in the AI sector.
What OpenAI’s Filing Tells Us About Its Future
While there is no guarantee that all the products in OpenAI’s trademark filing will make it to market, the breadth of its application indicates the company is preparing for a broader AI ecosystem that moves beyond software.
The company’s work on AI chips suggests it is addressing hardware challenges to scale its models more efficiently, while the potential push into robotics hints at ambitions beyond digital interactions.
OpenAI’s next steps will determine whether it remains primarily a software company or evolves into a full-fledged AI hardware innovator. As the AI industry shifts towards embedded AI and intelligent automation, OpenAI appears to be positioning itself for a future where artificial intelligence is seamlessly integrated into everyday life.