tech
March 7, 2026
OpenAI robotics lead Caitlin Kalinowski quits in response to Pentagon deal
Hardware executive Caitlin Kalinowski announced today that in response to OpenAI's controversial agreement with the Department of Defense, she’s resigned from her role leading the company's robotics team.
TL;DR
- Caitlin Kalinowski resigned from her role leading OpenAI's robotics team.
- Her resignation was prompted by OpenAI's agreement with the Department of Defense.
- Kalinowski cited concerns about AI's application in national security, specifically regarding surveillance and lethal autonomy without proper oversight.
- She emphasized her issue was with rushed announcements and governance, not individuals at OpenAI.
- OpenAI confirmed her departure, stating their agreement with the Pentagon respects red lines against domestic surveillance and autonomous weapons.
- The departure follows a failed negotiation between the Pentagon and Anthropic over similar safeguards.
- OpenAI's deal allows its technology use in classified environments, with both contractual and technical safeguards.
- The controversy has led to a significant increase in ChatGPT uninstalls and a rise in the app store ranking for Claude.
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