TL;DR:
- Caitlin Kalinowski, former Meta AR hardware head, has joined OpenAI to lead its robotics and consumer hardware division.
- Kalinowski previously worked on Meta’s AR glasses and VR goggles and has a background in hardware design from Apple.
- She will focus on OpenAI’s robotics projects and collaborate with Jony Ive, who is developing an AI-powered device with OpenAI.
- OpenAI is reviving its robotics research, expanding from AI software like ChatGPT to consumer hardware.
OpenAI has made a significant move in its expansion into robotics and hardware by hiring Caitlin Kalinowski, a former executive at Meta, as the head of its robotics and consumer hardware division. Kalinowski, who led Meta’s augmented reality (AR) glasses hardware team, confirmed her new role at OpenAI through a LinkedIn post on November 6, 2024.
Kalinowski’s appointment marks a critical step for OpenAI as it seeks to broaden its focus beyond artificial intelligence software like ChatGPT. She brings with her extensive experience in hardware development, having worked at Meta since 2022, where she spearheaded the creation of the Orion AR glasses prototype, which was showcased at Meta’s Connect conference. Prior to her time at Meta, Kalinowski spent nearly a decade leading the hardware team for Meta’s virtual reality (VR) products and also contributed to the design of Apple’s MacBook hardware during her tenure at the tech giant.
In her LinkedIn post, Kalinowski expressed her excitement about joining OpenAI, stating, “I will initially focus on OpenAI’s robotics work and partnerships to bring AI into the physical world and unlock its benefits for humanity.” Her leadership is expected to play a pivotal role in OpenAI’s efforts to integrate artificial intelligence into physical devices, an area that has seen renewed focus within the company.
This move aligns with OpenAI’s recent efforts to revive its robotics research team. In 2018, the company developed a robotic hand capable of learning autonomously but later shifted its focus toward AI software development. With Kalinowski now at the helm of its hardware division, OpenAI seems poised to re-enter the robotics space with renewed vigor.
Kalinowski is also expected to collaborate with Jony Ive, Apple’s former Chief Design Officer, who has been working with OpenAI on developing an AI-powered hardware device. Ive has hinted that this new product aims to create a “less socially disruptive” computing experience compared to smartphones. The collaboration between two high-profile figures from Apple and Meta underscores OpenAI’s ambitions to become a major player in consumer hardware.
The timing of this appointment is notable as OpenAI faces increasing pressure to diversify its portfolio beyond AI software. The company has raised significant funding in recent months and is reportedly valued at $157 billion. Investors are keen to see OpenAI expand into new markets as it transitions from its nonprofit roots toward a more commercially driven model.
With Kalinowski leading its hardware division and partnerships with industry veterans like Jony Ive, OpenAI appears ready to make significant strides in bringing AI-powered devices into everyday life. This strategic shift could help position the company as a leader not only in artificial intelligence but also in consumer technology.
Source: The Daily Star
