OpenAI Hardware Chief Resigns After Dispute Over Defense AI Deal

A senior technology executive responsible for robotics and hardware projects at OpenAI has stepped down from her role after raising concerns about the company’s recent agreement with the United States Department of Defense.

Caitlin Kalinowski, who led the company’s robotics and consumer hardware efforts, announced her resignation through social media posts over the weekend. She had joined the AI company in 2024 after previously working on augmented-reality hardware projects at Meta.

In her statement, Kalinowski said artificial intelligence can play an important role in national security, but warned that certain issues need careful oversight. She expressed concerns about potential surveillance practices and the possibility of autonomous weapons being developed without sufficient safeguards.

Kalinowski said her decision to leave was based on principles rather than disagreements with colleagues. She also expressed respect for Sam Altman, the chief executive of OpenAI, and the company’s team.

According to her comments, the main concern was how quickly the defense partnership was announced. She said agreements involving powerful AI technologies should be introduced only after clear rules and protective measures are defined.

In response, OpenAI confirmed her departure and stated that its cooperation with the United States Department of Defense aims to support responsible uses of artificial intelligence in national security. The company also emphasized that it has set limits on how the technology can be used, including restrictions against domestic surveillance and fully autonomous weapons systems.

The agreement between the AI company and the Pentagon was revealed shortly after earlier discussions between the defense department and another AI developer, Anthropic, reportedly broke down over concerns about safety conditions and oversight.

Industry observers say the situation reflects a growing debate within the technology sector about how advanced AI tools should be used in military and government operations.

As artificial intelligence becomes more powerful and widely adopted, disagreements over ethics, security, and regulation are likely to remain central issues for technology companies, policymakers, and researchers around the world.