OpenAI Robotics Head Resigns Over Pentagon AI Deal

The head of robotics at OpenAI has resigned after the artificial-intelligence company struck a deal with the U.S. Department of Defense to deploy its AI models within the Pentagon’s classified networks, highlighting growing tensions inside the technology sector over the military use of advanced AI systems.

Caitlin Kalinowski announced her resignation on Saturday, saying the company’s agreement with the Pentagon raised concerns about potential surveillance and autonomous weapons use without sufficient safeguards.

“This wasn’t an easy call,” Kalinowski wrote in a post on X. She added that while artificial intelligence has “an important role in national security,” the possibility of surveillance of Americans “without judicial oversight” and the use of lethal autonomous systems without human authorization were issues that required greater deliberation.

OpenAI confirmed Kalinowski’s departure in a statement and defended its partnership with the Pentagon, saying the agreement includes safeguards designed to ensure responsible use of the technology. The company said the contract clearly prohibits the use of its AI systems for domestic surveillance or autonomous weapons.

“We believe our agreement with the Pentagon creates a workable path for responsible national security uses of AI while making clear our red lines,” the company said, adding that it would continue discussions with employees, governments and civil-society groups about the role of AI in defense.

Kalinowski joined OpenAI in November 2024 to lead the company’s robotics and hardware initiatives after previously overseeing augmented-reality hardware development at Meta Platforms.

The Pentagon partnership was announced in late February after negotiations between the U.S. government and rival AI developer Anthropic collapsed over disagreements about safeguards on military applications of artificial intelligence.

The dispute has intensified debate within the technology industry over how AI systems should be used in national security operations. Critics worry that advanced AI could enable large-scale surveillance or autonomous weapons systems, while supporters argue the technology is essential to maintain military competitiveness.

Kalinowski said her decision to leave OpenAI was driven by governance concerns rather than disagreements with colleagues. In her statement, she said she had “deep respect” for OpenAI chief executive Sam Altman and the robotics team she helped build.

Her departure adds to growing scrutiny of collaborations between AI companies and government defense agencies as artificial intelligence becomes increasingly central to national security strategy.