OpenAI Robotics Chief Resigns Over Pentagon AI Deal
Caitlin Kalinowski quits over AI deal allowing models on Pentagon’s classified network
GG News Bureau
San Francisco, 8th March: The head of OpenAI’s robotics team, Caitlin Kalinowski, has resigned, citing concerns over the company’s agreement to deploy its artificial intelligence models within the Pentagon’s classified network.
Announcing her decision in a post on social media platform X, Kalinowski said the move was difficult but necessary due to ethical concerns surrounding the potential use of AI in national security operations.
“This wasn’t an easy call,” she wrote. “AI has an important role in national security. But surveillance of Americans without judicial oversight and lethal autonomy without human authorization are lines that deserved more deliberation than they got.”
OpenAI confirmed her departure in a statement, saying the company believes the agreement with the US Department of Defense creates a responsible framework for national security uses of artificial intelligence.
According to the company, the arrangement includes clear restrictions, including a ban on domestic surveillance and the use of fully autonomous weapons.
“We recognize that people have strong views about these issues and we will continue to engage in discussion with employees, government, civil society and communities around the world,” OpenAI said.
Kalinowski joined OpenAI in November 2024 as a member of its technical staff focused on robotics. Before joining the company, she led the development of augmented reality glasses at Meta.
The agreement between OpenAI and the Pentagon was finalised in late February after talks between the US administration and AI firm Anthropic collapsed.
Anthropic had reportedly sought assurances that its technology would not be used for mass surveillance of Americans or fully autonomous weapons.
Following the breakdown of negotiations, US President Donald Trump ordered government departments to halt work with Anthropic, and the Pentagon later designated the company and its products as a supply-chain risk.
Anthropic has said it intends to challenge the decision in court, arguing that such designations have previously been used only for companies linked to adversary nations, including China’s Huawei.
OpenAI Chief Executive Officer Sam Altman earlier acknowledged that the company’s rapid move to secure the Pentagon contract appeared “opportunistic and sloppy”, while also publicly disagreeing with the government’s blacklisting of Anthropic.
