Caitlin Kalinowski, head of robotics at OpenAI, resigned after the company agreed to deploy its AI models inside the classified network of the United States Department of Defense. She said surveillance without judicial oversight and lethal autonomy without human authorisation raised ethical concerns that required more debate.

The head of OpenAI’s robotics team, Caitlin Kalinowski, has announced resignation, citing the company’s move to deploy its artificial intelligence (AI) models within the Pentagon’s classified network.

“AI has an important role in national security. But surveillance of Americans without judicial oversight and lethal autonomy without human authorisation are lines that deserved more deliberation than they got," Kalinowski said in a post on X, adding that the decision to resign was difficult.

OpenAI confirmed Kalinowski’s exit in an emailed statement, saying it believes the Defense Department agreement “creates a workable path for responsible national security uses of AI while making clear our red lines, no domestic surveillance and no autonomous weapons.”

“We recognise that people have strong views about these issues and we will continue to engage in discussion with employees, government, civil society and communities around the world,” the company said.