OpenAI robotics hardware lead Caitlin Kalinowski resigned following the company’s deal with the Department of Defense. The company confirmed the resignation and stated there are no plans to replace her.
Kalinowski’s departure represents a high-profile personnel change tied directly to OpenAI’s national security strategy. The resignation highlights internal friction regarding the company’s approach to AI safety and government partnerships. OpenAI’s agreement with the Pentagon aims to facilitate responsible AI use in national security contexts.
Kalinowski stated on X that surveillance of Americans without judicial oversight and lethal autonomy without human authorization deserved more deliberation. She described the DoD partnership announcement as rushed and lacking defined guardrails. She characterized the issue as a “governance concern first and foremost.”
OpenAI told Engadget it understands people have strong views on these issues. The company stated it does not support the issues Kalinowski raised. OpenAI clarified that its agreement with the Pentagon prohibits domestic surveillance and autonomous weapons.
Anthropic previously refused to lift certain AI guardrails regarding mass surveillance and fully autonomous weapons. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman stated he would amend the DoD deal to prohibit spying on Americans. Kalinowski previously worked at Meta and joined OpenAI in late 2024.
Correction, March 8, 2026: This story was updated to correct Kalinowski’s role to “robotics hardware lead” rather than “head of robotics.”
