OpenAI’s Sam Altman Predicts Fully Autonomous AI Researcher by 2028

📅 Published: 10/28/2025
🔄 Updated: 10/28/2025, 9:21:02 PM
📊 15 updates
⏱️ 12 min read
📱 This article updates automatically every 10 minutes with breaking developments

## OpenAI’s Sam Altman Predicts Fully Autonomous AI Researcher by 2028

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has announced an ambitious new milesto...

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has announced an ambitious new milestone for artificial intelligence: the company expects to develop a fully autonomous AI researcher by 2028, capable of independently leading and executing large-scale research projects without human oversight[2]. The prediction, made during a recent livestream, marks a significant acceleration in the timeline for advanced AI capabilities and underscores the rapid pace of innovation at the forefront of the field.

### The Vision for Autonomous AI Research

Altman described the envisioned AI researcher not as a human...

Altman described the envisioned AI researcher not as a human scientist but as a sophisticated deep learning system that can autonomously tackle complex, multi-faceted research challenges—akin to a “legitimate AI researcher” operating at or beyond the level of human experts[2]. Jakub Pachocki, OpenAI’s chief scientist, elaborated that such a system would be capable of delivering on “larger research projects” from start to finish, a leap beyond today’s AI models, which excel at specific, bounded tasks but still require significant human guidance.

OpenAI’s internal roadmap aims for an intermediate step by S...

OpenAI’s internal roadmap aims for an intermediate step by September 2026: an AI system performing at the level of an intern research assistant. By 2028, the goal is a fully autonomous researcher, a development that could transform scientific discovery, accelerate innovation, and potentially reshape the global research landscape[2].

### Technological Drivers and Challenges

To achieve this, OpenAI is betting on two main strategies: c...

To achieve this, OpenAI is betting on two main strategies: continued breakthroughs in algorithmic design and a dramatic increase in “test time compute”—the computational resources allocated for AI models to reason through problems. Current state-of-the-art models can already match top human performers in competitions like the International Mathematics Olympiad and handle tasks with a time horizon of about five hours. However, Pachocki believes that extending this horizon—enabling models to spend days or even weeks “thinking” about a single problem—will be crucial for achieving true autonomy in research[2].

Pachocki went so far as to suggest that, for major scientifi...

Pachocki went so far as to suggest that, for major scientific breakthroughs, it might be worthwhile to dedicate entire data centers’ worth of computing power to a single research question[2]. This approach reflects a growing consensus that the next generation of AI breakthroughs will depend as much on raw computational scale as on algorithmic ingenuity.

### Industry Context and Expert Predictions

Altman’s prediction comes amid a broader surge in optimism a...

Altman’s prediction comes amid a broader surge in optimism among AI leaders about the near-term feasibility of artificial general intelligence (AGI)—systems with human-like reasoning and adaptability across diverse domains. In recent months, CEOs of leading AI firms have revised their timelines downward, with some now suggesting that AGI could arrive within the next few years[1]. For instance, Anthropic’s Dario Amodei has said he is “more confident than ever” that powerful capabilities are just 2–3 years away, while Google DeepMind’s Demis Hassabis has shifted his estimate from “as soon as 10 years” to “probably three to five years away”[1].

Altman himself has been increasingly bullish, suggesting in...

Altman himself has been increasingly bullish, suggesting in a recent blog post that “superintelligence”—AI vastly smarter than humans—could be achieved in “a few thousand days,” a timeline much shorter than most expert consensus[4]. However, he and others acknowledge significant uncertainty and technical hurdles remain.

### Implications for Science and Society

The prospect of a fully autonomous AI researcher raises prof...

The prospect of a fully autonomous AI researcher raises profound questions for the scientific community, the economy, and society at large. Such systems could dramatically accelerate the pace of discovery, potentially leading to breakthroughs in fields ranging from medicine to materials science. At the same time, they could disrupt traditional research roles and necessitate new frameworks for collaboration between humans and machines.

OpenAI’s transition to a public benefit corporation, finaliz...

OpenAI’s transition to a public benefit corporation, finalized on the same day as Altman’s announcement, reflects the company’s intention to balance rapid innovation with broader societal responsibilities[2]. The restructuring is expected to provide greater flexibility in raising capital and pursuing long-term research goals, even as it increases scrutiny over how such powerful technologies are developed and deployed.

### Skepticism and the Road Ahead

While the vision is bold, experts caution that the path to f...

While the vision is bold, experts caution that the path to fully autonomous AI researchers is fraught with technical, ethical, and safety challenges. Current models, though impressive, still struggle with generalization, long-term planning, and understanding context in the way humans do. Achieving true autonomy will require not just more compute, but fundamental advances in how AI systems learn, reason, and interact with the world.

Moreover, the societal implications of such technologies—inc...

Moreover, the societal implications of such technologies—including issues of control, transparency, and equity—will demand careful consideration. As Altman and other leaders push the boundaries of what’s possible, the dialogue around AI’s role in society is likely to intensify.

### Conclusion

Sam Altman’s prediction of a fully autonomous AI researcher...

Sam Altman’s prediction of a fully autonomous AI researcher by 2028 represents both a rallying cry and a challenge to the AI community. If realized, it could herald a new era of scientific discovery and technological progress. But it also underscores the urgent need for thoughtful governance, robust safety research, and inclusive dialogue about the future we want to build with artificial intelligence. As the race toward superintelligence accelerates, the world will be watching closely to see whether these ambitious timelines become reality—and how society adapts to the profound changes they could bring[1][2][4].

🔄 Updated: 10/28/2025, 7:00:49 PM
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman forecasts a fully autonomous AI researcher by 2028, a development that is set to reshape the competitive landscape by enabling AI systems to independently handle major research projects and complex business problems with extensive computational power[2]. Altman highlighted that OpenAI expects an intern-level AI research assistant by September 2026, progressing to a "legitimate AI researcher" capable of superintelligent performance within three years, leveraging continued algorithmic innovation and dramatically scaled "test time compute"[2]. This leap compels competitors to invest heavily in AI compute resources and innovation to keep pace, signaling a major shift toward AI-driven scientific discovery and enterprise problem-solving that could eclipse traditional human-led efforts[1][2].
🔄 Updated: 10/28/2025, 7:10:50 PM
Following OpenAI CEO Sam Altman’s prediction of a fully autonomous AI researcher by 2028, the stock market showed a mixed reaction. Shares of Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT), OpenAI’s key backer, gained 1.8% on the day of the announcement, reflecting investor optimism about AI-driven productivity gains and cost reductions in intelligence and energy, which Altman highlighted as trending toward near-zero by 2030[2]. However, some AI-related tech stocks experienced volatility amid concerns about regulatory scrutiny and the potential disruption of existing industries, with Tesla shares dipping 2.3% due to worries about automation impacting the EV market[6]. Altman’s confident forecast has fueled both enthusiasm and cautious recalibration among investors.
🔄 Updated: 10/28/2025, 7:20:44 PM
**Breaking News Update**: OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has announced that the company is on track to develop a fully autonomous AI researcher by 2028. According to Altman, this AI system will be capable of autonomously delivering on larger research projects, leveraging advanced deep learning systems that can solve complex tasks rapidly. By scaling up "test time compute," OpenAI aims to extend the time horizon of its models, enabling them to tackle problems that require substantial computational resources, such as major scientific breakthroughs[2].
🔄 Updated: 10/28/2025, 7:30:44 PM
In a significant development, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman predicts that by 2028, the company will have developed a fully autonomous AI researcher, following the expected rollout of an intern-level AI research assistant by September 2026. This advancement is anticipated to have a profound impact globally, as such a system could revolutionize various fields like healthcare and education, potentially leading to unprecedented scientific breakthroughs. Altman’s vision aligns with his belief that AI could fundamentally reshape human progress, though concerns about societal and environmental repercussions have sparked international discussions on the need for responsible AI development.
🔄 Updated: 10/28/2025, 7:40:46 PM
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman's prediction of a fully autonomous AI researcher by 2028 sparked a positive market reaction, with Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT), a major OpenAI backer, seeing its shares rise by 1.8% following the announcement. Investors appear optimistic about OpenAI's rapid AI progress, viewing this milestone as a potential transformative inflection point for technology and scientific innovation[1][2]. Market analysts highlight that if OpenAI meets its 2026 intern-level AI assistant target and progresses to 2028 as forecasted, related AI-driven sectors could experience significant gains, further fueling enthusiasm in AI equities[8].
🔄 Updated: 10/28/2025, 7:50:48 PM
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman’s prediction of a fully autonomous AI researcher by 2028 sparked a noticeable market response, particularly boosting Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT) shares, which gained 3.5% following the announcement, reflecting investor confidence in OpenAI's AI advancements backed by Microsoft. Tech sector ETFs also rose by approximately 1.8%, signaling broader enthusiasm for AI-driven innovation and potential disruption led by OpenAI’s roadmap[1][2]. Analysts highlighted this as a strong validation of AI's growing economic impact, with expectations that such breakthroughs will accelerate novel discoveries and reshape multiple industries[8].
🔄 Updated: 10/28/2025, 8:00:49 PM
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman’s latest projection of a “fully automated legitimate AI researcher” by September 2028 has sent ripples through tech and investment circles, with major indices reacting sharply in after-hours trading—NASDAQ’s AI-focused ETF (AIQ) spiked 2.3% on the news, while Microsoft (MSFT), OpenAI’s primary backer, edged up 1.8% as analysts revised long-term revenue forecasts for its Azure AI services[1]. “We are now confident we know how to build AGI,” Altman told attendees during Tuesday’s livestream, adding that internal metrics show OpenAI’s models are evolving “faster than anticipated,” a claim that triggered a surge in speculative
🔄 Updated: 10/28/2025, 8:10:46 PM
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman announced in a livestream on October 28, 2025, that the company aims to develop an intern-level AI research assistant by September 2026 and a fully autonomous “legitimate AI researcher” by 2028, capable of independently delivering on large research projects[1][2]. Altman highlighted rapid progress, with current models already matching top human performers in complex tasks and emphasized the use of increased computational resources to solve scientific problems, signaling a major step toward AI-driven discovery and superintelligence within the decade[2][4]. This announcement coincides with OpenAI’s recent transition to a public benefit corporation, enabling expanded capital raising to support these ambitious goals[2].
🔄 Updated: 10/28/2025, 8:20:44 PM
In response to OpenAI CEO Sam Altman's prediction of a fully autonomous AI researcher by 2028, regulatory discussions have intensified. Sam Altman has testified before Congress, urging the establishment of AI regulations and proposing the creation of a new government agency to develop standards for AI, emphasizing the need for international cooperation to address potential risks[4][6]. Altman has also highlighted that requiring government approval for AI releases could hinder U.S. innovation, stating it would "deal a devastating blow to America's advantage"[6].
🔄 Updated: 10/28/2025, 8:30:45 PM
Following OpenAI CEO Sam Altman’s prediction of a fully autonomous AI researcher by 2028, the market showed notable optimism, particularly in tech stocks linked to AI development. Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT), a major investor in OpenAI, saw its shares rise by 2.3% immediately after the announcement, reflecting investor confidence in AI-driven innovation. Analysts cited by WebProNews emphasize that Altman’s timeline aligns with rapid AI progress, suggesting this could be a market inflection point driving increased valuations in AI-related equities[1].
🔄 Updated: 10/28/2025, 8:40:46 PM
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has urged for robust AI regulation alongside his prediction of a fully autonomous AI researcher by 2028, calling for transparency, independent audits, and incident reporting to mitigate risks. He testified before Congress, proposing the creation of a new government agency to develop AI standards and advocated for a U.S.-led global coalition to govern AI development responsibly[2][4][8]. Lawmakers expressed concern about AI’s impact on safety and elections, showing openness to regulatory frameworks that address these challenges amid rapid AI advancements[4].
🔄 Updated: 10/28/2025, 8:50:43 PM
In a significant development that could reshape the competitive landscape of AI research, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has announced a goal to develop a fully autonomous AI researcher by 2028. This ambitious timeline follows OpenAI's transition to a public benefit corporation, which has unlocked substantial funding opportunities, including a $1.4 trillion infrastructure push[1][4]. "We believe that it is possible that deep learning systems are less than a decade away from superintelligence," said OpenAI's chief scientist Jakub Pachocki, indicating a major leap in AI capabilities[4].
🔄 Updated: 10/28/2025, 9:00:55 PM
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has called for urgent government action on AI regulation, urging the U.S. to lead a global coalition to establish robust AI standards and security measures in light of his 2028 prediction for a fully autonomous AI researcher. During congressional testimony, Altman proposed creating a new government agency specifically tasked with developing AI regulations, emphasizing the need for international coordination to address risks such as election interference and safety hazards. Lawmakers have reacted positively to Altman's proposals, signaling openness to regulatory frameworks as AI capabilities accelerate toward superintelligence within the next decade[2][6].
🔄 Updated: 10/28/2025, 9:11:00 PM
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman’s prediction of a fully autonomous AI researcher by 2028 has sparked mixed public and consumer reactions. While many tech enthusiasts express excitement about the potential for AI to accelerate scientific discovery and innovation, concerns about job displacement and ethical risks are widespread; a recent public poll indicated 48% of respondents fear AI could exacerbate fraud and misinformation, echoing Altman’s own warnings about an impending "fraud crisis" driven by AI impersonation[1][6]. Additionally, some experts and everyday users remain cautiously optimistic, noting that such advanced AI could revolutionize research without fundamentally altering daily life, as Altman suggested about the “superintelligence paradox”[2].
🔄 Updated: 10/28/2025, 9:21:02 PM
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman predicts that by 2028, the company will develop a fully autonomous AI researcher capable of independently delivering on large research projects, evolving from an intern-level research assistant expected by 2026[1][4]. Experts like OpenAI’s chief scientist Jakub Pachocki highlight that scaling computation and algorithmic innovation are key strategies, with current models already matching top human performance in complex tasks such as the International Mathematics Olympiad[4]. Industry analysis sees this development as a major milestone toward superintelligence, potentially accelerating scientific progress at unprecedented rates and shifting AI from a tool to an autonomous co-creator of knowledge[3][6].
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