Why we’re at the beginning of the AI hardware boom | Caitlin Kalinowski (ex–OpenAI, Meta, Apple)

Hardware development is shifting from digital AI to the physical world, where robotics, manufacturing, and industrialization represent the next major frontier. Because hardware design lacks the rapid iteration cycles of software—often requiring finalization long before mass production—success depends on defining clear goals early, prioritizing the most critical components, and securing resilient supply chains. While humanoid robots generate significant hype, current manufacturing relies on specialized, non-humanoid automation to achieve scale. National security and economic stability require reindustrializing domestic production, particularly for foundational components like magnets, actuators, and memory, which are currently vulnerable to geopolitical disruptions. Caitlin Kalinowski, a veteran hardware leader who has contributed to Apple’s MacBook line and Meta’s AR/VR initiatives, emphasizes that building physical products requires a disciplined, detail-oriented approach that prioritizes safety, reliability, and long-term strategic independence over short-term trends.