❯ OpenAI expands ChatGPT and Codex into physical engineering with Mazda collaboration

A prototype designed in a weekOpenAI disclosed physical-engineering projects on November 3. Two employees used GPT-6 Astra on a side project to design a device for talking to Codex in under a week, covering its enclosure, circuit board, firmware and software integrations. A manufacturer produced a small prototype batch within a month. OpenAI says manufacturing preparation still required several reviews and revisions because the model inconsistently handled tolerances, assembly details and production constraints.

Turning scans into engineering filesThe company is expanding work with Chip Ganassi Racing to convert three-dimensional part scans into editable computer-aided design files and manufacturing drawings. Engineers can modify dimensions and structures in these files, making the workflow useful when original designs are unavailable. Racing-team engineers review accuracy and manufacturability.

Vehicle simulation joins the effortA new Mazda research collaboration will use airflow and structural simulations to explore vehicle designs that balance styling, cost, aerodynamics and crash safety. OpenAI’s hardware teams already use ChatGPT and Codex for modeling, drawings and simulations; their token usage has increased 23-fold since February. These remain exploratory engineering workflows with continuing review and feedback from collaborators.

▮ SIGNALAI can give engineers more time to compare designs, while production still requires checks against dimensions, materials and assembly constraints.