A senior robotics executive at OpenAI has stepped down after raising concerns about the company’s agreement to provide artificial intelligence technology to the United States Department of Defense.
Caitlin Kalinowski, who led OpenAI’s robotics and consumer hardware division, announced that she was leaving the company following the deal that allows OpenAI’s AI tools to be used within the Pentagon’s secure systems. Her resignation has brought renewed attention to the ethical debate surrounding the use of artificial intelligence in military operations.
In a message explaining her decision, Kalinowski said she believes artificial intelligence can be useful in many areas, including national security. However, she expressed concern about how such powerful technology might be used in warfare or surveillance if strict safeguards are not in place.
The partnership between OpenAI and the Pentagon is intended to help the US military use advanced AI systems for tasks such as analysing large amounts of data, improving decision-making and supporting defence operations. Supporters of the agreement say such technology can help the military respond more effectively to security challenges.
However, the deal has also sparked debate within the technology community. Some experts and industry professionals worry that partnerships between major AI companies and defence organisations could lead to the development of systems that may be used for surveillance or autonomous weapons in the future.
OpenAI has said that its agreement with the Pentagon includes clear restrictions. The company stated that its technology will not be used for domestic surveillance or to create fully autonomous weapons. It also said it remains committed to developing AI responsibly and ensuring that its systems are used safely.
Kalinowski joined OpenAI in 2024 after previously working at Meta Platforms, where she was involved in hardware development for augmented reality projects.
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