OpenAI's robotics head quits after company's Pentagon deal: 'This was about principle'

Caitlin Kalinowski, who headed the robotics division at OpenAI after joining from Meta in 2024, has announced her resignation from the company. In a statement shared on social media platform X, she voiced her strong disapproval of OpenAI's recent agreement with the Pentagon. Kalinowski emphasized the critical role of artificial intelligence in national security but raised concerns over the potential implications of the deal. She specifically criticized the lack of judicial oversight regarding surveillance of American citizens and the risks associated with granting lethal autonomy to AI without human intervention. For her, the decision to resign was rooted in principle. Despite her departure, Kalinowski expressed her continued admiration for OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and the team, highlighting her pride in their achievements within the robotics sector. The controversial agreement with the Department of Defense allows access to OpenAI's AI technologies. This move follows rival company Anthropic's refusal to engage in a similar partnership, citing worries about the potential misuse of technology for mass surveillance and the development of autonomous weaponry.