OpenAI Robotics Chief Resigns Over Pentagon AI Deal

Caitlin Kalinowski, Head of Robotics and Consumer Hardware at the artificial intelligence (AI) research organization OpenAI, has resigned from her position. In a post on social media on Saturday (March 7), she said her decision was prompted by OpenAI’s recent agreement with the Pentagon (the United States Department of Defense), according to Reuters.

Last week, OpenAI agreed to deploy its AI models within the classified cloud network of the U.S. Department of Defense. Kalinowski alleged that the deal was pushed forward rapidly without first defining the necessary safeguards (guardrails).

In a post on the social media platform X, she wrote, “AI has an important role in national security. But surveillance of Americans without judicial oversight and lethal autonomy without human authorization—these boundaries deserve deeper discussion. They did not receive that.” She also emphasized that the issue was one of principle rather than individuals, adding that she holds deep respect for OpenAI Chief Executive Officer Sam Altman and the team.

Kalinowski’s resignation comes amid an intense debate over how far AI companies should go in supporting the U.S. military. Earlier, negotiations between the Pentagon and Anthropic collapsed because the company sought strict restrictions on the use of its technology for domestic surveillance and autonomous weapons systems. Shortly after those talks failed, OpenAI finalized its agreement with the Pentagon.

However, OpenAI maintains that its agreement clearly specifies “red lines” that prohibit the use of its technology for domestic surveillance and autonomous weapons. In a statement, a company spokesperson said, “We believe our agreement with the Pentagon creates an effective pathway for the responsible use of AI in national security. We recognize that people hold strong opinions on these issues, and we will continue discussions with employees, government, and civil society.”

Kalinowski joined OpenAI in November 2024. Prior to that, she spent about two and a half years at Meta Platforms, where she led the development of the augmented reality (AR) glasses ‘Orion.’ Earlier in her career, she worked on virtual reality headsets at Meta’s subsidiary Oculus and contributed to the design of MacBook Pro and MacBook Air models at Apple.

DBTech/BMT/OR