OpenAI Shares Progress on ChatGPT and Codex for Hardware Engineering: GPT-6 Astra Designs a Codex Device in Under a Week, Mazda Joins for Aerodynamics Research
On November 3, OpenAI published "Accelerating engineering for the physical world," describing how its models help with mechanical design, electrical design and simulation. Two employees used GPT-6 Astra to design a device for talking to Codex (enclosure, PCB, firmware and software) in under a week, and a contract manufacturer built a small prototype batch in under a month, though manufacturing readiness still took several rounds of human review. Token usage across OpenAI hardware teams has grown 23-fold since February. On BenchCAD 2.0, a newer internal model averaged 0.875 versus 0.594 for GPT-6 Astra at its highest reasoning setting (OpenAI-reported). OpenAI is also expanding its work with Chip Ganassi Racing and announced a new research collaboration with Mazda.
Key Takeaways
- In a test with no direct human edits, GPT-6 Astra handled the look, enclosure structure, component selection, PCB layout, UI and firmware; two employees finished the design in under a week as a side project, and prototypes came back in under a month, per the OpenAI blog.
- OpenAI names the gaps: Astra did not consistently account for the manufacturer's production limits, tolerances or assembly details, so manufacturing readiness took several rounds of review.
- OpenAI hardware and infrastructure teams use Codex and ChatGPT for CAD models, 2D manufacturing drawings, simulation and FEA setup, and design reviews; token usage has grown 23-fold since February (OpenAI-reported).
- BenchCAD 2.0 (reconstructing 3D parts and assemblies, identifying circuit-board connections): a newer internal model scored 0.875 versus 0.594 for GPT-6 Astra at its highest reasoning setting (OpenAI-reported; the internal model is unnamed and unreleased).
- Collaborators: Chip Ganassi Racing is testing 3D-scan-to-editable-CAD and 2D drawing workflows; Mazda is working with OpenAI researchers on airflow and structural simulations for vehicle design, with results promised "in the coming months."
