OpenAI’s head of robotics has resigned after raising concerns about how the company’s AI could be used by the U.S. military. The resignations come days after the company confirmed an agreement with the Department of Defense to deploy AI systems within defense infrastructure, a move that has already sparked debate over surveillance and surveillance. This development is notable because it involves senior leaders who have been closely involved in OpenAI’s robotics and hardware ambitions.
Caitlin Kalinowski, OpenAI’s head of robotics and consumer hardware, announced Saturday that she is leaving the company. She shared this decision in a post on X, where she linked her resignation to concerns over OpenAI’s recent agreement with the US Department of Defense.
The contract will allow the Department of Defense to use OpenAI’s AI models on a classified cloud network. The partnership was confirmed last week as part of the Department of Defense’s efforts to explore how artificial intelligence tools can support various operations.
OpenAI’s head of robotics resigns, says AI transactions that involve surveillance require stronger oversight
Kalinowski said he believes artificial intelligence can play an important role in national security. However, she expressed concern about how such a system could be used if proper oversight was not in place.
“AI plays an important role in national security, but surveillance of Americans without judicial oversight or lethal autonomy without human permission is a policy that deserves serious consideration.”
She explained that her decision to leave was based on principle. At the same time, Kalinowski emphasized that his concerns were not directed at any individual within the company. In the post, she said she will continue to respect OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and his broader team, adding that she remains proud of the robotics work completed during her time there.
Kalinowski also suggested that the Pentagon announced the agreement too quickly and did not have enough time to fully define safeguards for how the technology would be used. In a follow-up post, she said the issue was primarily about governance and decision-making.
“It’s first and foremost a governance concern. These are too important to rush into a deal or an announcement.”
OpenAI defended the partnership, saying the deal includes safeguards for how its AI models are used. The company said its policies prohibit uses such as domestic surveillance or fully autonomous weapons.
“We recognize that people have strong opinions on these issues and will continue to engage in discussions with our employees, governments, civil society and communities around the world.”
Kalinowski joined OpenAI in 2024 after previously working at Meta Platforms, where he led development around augmented reality hardware. At OpenAI, she was responsible for leading the company’s robotics and consumer hardware efforts.
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