OpenAI Expands AI Engineering Tests From Devices to Vehicles
OpenAI tests AI for hardware design and vehicle engineering. Explore manufacturing limits and what businesses should check before adopting these tools. The post OpenAI Expands AI Engineering Tests From Devices to Vehicles appeared first on TechRepublic .
OpenAI has begun testing artificial intelligence for creating hardware and vehicle designs, pushing its Astra model beyond software development. The company's experiments, announced on November 3, explore how AI can accelerate the transition from design concepts to functional prototypes. Potential cost savings depend on the extent of human oversight required for these AI-generated designs.
The tests include an AI-designed device, collaboration with Chip Ganassi Racing, and a research partnership with Mazda. One experiment involved developing a prototype in under a week using GPT-6 Astra, which handled the device's appearance, mechanical enclosure, internal structures, electrical components, and PCB design. Astra also created the user interface, firmware, and software integrations. A contract manufacturer produced a small batch of prototypes in under a month, though extensive review was still needed.
OpenAI's hardware teams already use Codex and ChatGPT for tasks like creating CAD models and preparing manufacturing drawings. Token consumption across these teams has increased 23-fold since February, indicating a rise in usage but not necessarily productivity or cost savings. BenchCAD 2.0, which evaluates models for reconstructing 3D components and identifying circuit board connections, showed progress, with a newer internal model scoring 0.875 compared to GPT-6 Astra's 0.594.
OpenAI is expanding its work with Chip Ganassi Racing to convert 3D scans of existing components into editable CAD models and manufacturing drawings. Additionally, a research collaboration with Mazda focuses on vehicle aerodynamics and crash safety, exploring airflow and structural simulations while considering styling and development costs.
For engineering and IT leaders, OpenAI recommends starting with a limited pilot on a clearly defined task, comparing the AI-assisted process with the existing workflow, and measuring time, costs, and rework. Any safety-related pilot should follow established testing and approval procedures.
Written by urgent.news from TechRepublic's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
