Tech Giants Expand into New Frontiers
Meta Veteran Joins OpenAI to Spearhead Robotics and Hardware Efforts
In a significant move, Caitlin “CK” Kalinowski, the former head of Meta’s augmented reality glasses initiative, has joined OpenAI to lead the startup’s robotics and consumer hardware endeavors. Kalinowski announced her new role on LinkedIn and X, stating that she will initially focus on OpenAI’s robotics work and partnerships to bring AI into the physical world and unlock its benefits for humanity.
From AR Glasses to AI Devices
Kalinowski’s appointment comes as OpenAI gains popularity for its viral chatbot, ChatGPT, and signals the company’s apparent efforts to venture into building and selling hardware. Notably, former Apple exec Jony Ive has also partnered with OpenAI to create an AI device, further solidifying the company’s hardware ambitions.
Investing in Physical Intelligence
The announcement coincides with OpenAI’s investment in Physical Intelligence, a San Francisco-based robot startup that has raised $400 million at a $2.4 billion post-money valuation. The startup aims to develop large-scale artificial intelligence models and algorithms to power robots, bringing general-purpose AI into the physical world.
Kalinowski’s Impressive Background
Before joining OpenAI, Kalinowski spent nearly two and a half years at Meta, leading the company’s creation of Orion, a cutting-edge pair of AR glasses. Prior to that, she worked for over nine years on virtual reality headsets at Meta-owned Oculus and nearly six years at Apple, where she helped design MacBooks.
New Chapter Begins
Kalinowski’s first day at OpenAI is set for Tuesday, November 5. As she embarks on this new chapter, it will be exciting to see how her expertise shapes OpenAI’s robotics and hardware initiatives.
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