OpenAI shows GPT-6 Astra designing a device and expands engineering collaborations with Mazda and Chip Ganassi Racing

OpenAI shared progress on using its models for mechanical and electrical engineering and end-to-end system design, from preparing drawings and setting up simulations to coordinating changes across disciplines.

Details

• Device built with Astra: As a test of multimodal and computer-use performance, GPT-6 Astra defined requirements and designed the enclosure, printed circuit board and software integrations for a device used to talk to Codex, with no direct human edits. Astra handled the look (drawing on the Work Louder collaboration), mechanical design, component selection and PCB layout, UI/UX and firmware. Two team members did this in under a week as a side project, and a contract manufacturer built a small prototype batch in under a month. Getting it manufacturing-ready still took several review rounds, because Astra did not consistently account for production limits, tolerances or assembly details.
• Internal usage: OpenAI’s hardware and infrastructure teams use Codex and ChatGPT for CAD models, manufacturing drawings, simulation setup and design review across robotics and compute infrastructure. Their token usage has grown 23-fold since February.
• BenchCAD 2.0: The benchmark tests reconstructing 3D parts and assemblies and identifying connections in circuit boards. A newer internal model averaged 0.875 versus 0.594 for GPT-6 Astra at its highest reasoning setting. The model is not named.
• Chip Ganassi Racing: An expanded collaboration testing workflows that turn 3D scans of existing parts into editable CAD models and 2D manufacturing drawings, which helps when original design files are missing. CGR engineers review outputs for accuracy and manufacturability.
• Mazda: A new research collaboration with Mazda’s aerodynamics and crash-safety engineers, using airflow and structural simulations; Astra helps explore nose shapes to reduce drag. OpenAI plans to share results in the coming months.
• Call for collaborators: Engineers, engineering firms and software vendors in design, simulation and manufacturing can apply through a form. No product launch or availability date was announced.