Why we’re at the beginning of the AI hardware boom | Caitlin Kalinowski (ex–OpenAI, Meta, Apple)

Caitlin Kalinowski, a robotics and hardware expert with experience at OpenAI, Meta, and Apple, shared insights on the next frontier of technology in an in-depth conversation. She discussed the decline of VR, which she attributes to its high cost and lack of practical applications. Kalinowski also warned startups about the impending memory price shock and advised them to pre-buy now.

Kalinowski's experience at Meta has given her unique perspective on the intersection of AI and robotics. She revealed that technologies built for VR have become the foundation of modern warfare, highlighting the significant impact of these advancements on global security.

The conversation also touched on Kalinowski's work at OpenAI, where she helped build robotics and hardware teams from scratch. However, she left the company to focus on humanoid robots and their potential applications. Kalinowski cited several reasons for her departure, including a desire to explore new areas of innovation and a sense of stagnation within the company.

Throughout the conversation, Kalinowski shared valuable lessons learned from her experiences with Steve Jobs, Mark Zuckerberg, and Sam Altman, emphasizing the importance of innovative thinking and adaptability in the tech industry.