OpenAI models help design a working hardware prototype in under a week

Two OpenAI team members designed a working hardware prototype in under a week with help from GPT-6 and Astra.

The device gives users a dedicated physical way to connect to Codex, OpenAI’s coding tool.

Astra helped create the enclosure, circuit board, interface, firmware and software integrations.

A contract manufacturer made a small batch in less than a month, but production required several rounds of engineering review.

The models struggled with manufacturing limits, component tolerances and assembly needs, showing that human oversight is still important.

OpenAI says the experiment offers an early sign that AI could speed up engineering work.

The company is testing its models with Mazda and Chip Ganassi Racing on automotive and motorsports design tasks.