# GPT-6 Astra designs a Codex device in a week — OpenAI's hardware push

> OpenAI shows its models doing mechanical and electrical design work, and asks engineers to help test it.

- Org: OpenAI
- Date: 2026-11-03
- Category: showcase, article
- Source: https://the-decoder.com/openai-says-gpt-6-astra-designed-a-hardware-device-from-scratch-in-under-a-week/
- Canonical page: https://ai-tldr.dev/releases/openai-engineering-physical-world/

## In short

OpenAI says two staff used GPT-6 Astra to design a device for talking to Codex in under a week. An unreleased internal model scores 0.875 on BenchCAD 2.0, against 0.594 for Astra. Mazda joins as a research partner.

## What it is

OpenAI's post "Accelerating engineering for the physical world" (3 November 2026) reports a test device designed with GPT-6 Astra. Astra wrote the requirements and designed the enclosure, the circuit board and the software for a gadget that lets people talk to Codex. Two team members finished the design in under a week as a side project, and a contract manufacturer built a small batch of prototypes in under a month.

## How it works

Engineers use Codex and ChatGPT to make CAD models, manufacturing drawings, simulations and design reviews; OpenAI says token use across its hardware and infrastructure teams grew 23-fold since February. The device still needed several review rounds, because the model did not always account for production limits, tolerances and assembly details. On BenchCAD 2.0, which tests rebuilding 3D parts and finding connections on circuit boards, a newer unreleased model averaged 0.875.

## Why it matters

Hardware design is slower and less forgiving than software, so a model that drafts parts, boards and drawings could shorten prototype cycles. OpenAI is testing this with Chip Ganassi Racing (3D scans turned into editable CAD and 2D drawings) and, newly, with Mazda's aerodynamics and crash-safety engineers. The best score comes from a model the public cannot use yet, so it cannot be checked independently.

## Who it's for

mechanical and electrical engineers, hardware teams

## Try it

OpenAI invites engineers and firms to apply: openai.com/form/computer-use-research-collaboration

## Links

- [The Decoder Report](https://the-decoder.com/openai-says-gpt-6-astra-designed-a-hardware-device-from-scratch-in-under-a-week/)
- [Interesting Engineering](https://interestingengineering.com/ai-robotics/openai-gpt-6-hardware-design-prototype)
- [Unite.AI Coverage](https://www.unite.ai/openai-tests-astra-on-physical-engineering-from-devices-to-vehicles/)