Alexander Reben, OpenAI’s inaugural artist-in-residence, is unveiling a new venture called Phyzify that uses artificial intelligence and robotics to rapidly prototype and produce physical objects directly from user ideas. Phyzify aims to be an all-encompassing platform managing every stage-from creative prompts to diverse physical outcomes-going beyond traditional 3D printing.
Phyzify integrates AI with product development and backend operations
Reben envisions Phyzify transcending conventional product development by also incorporating backend operations such as domain registration, patent filings, and trademark processes. One example use case is translating music into visual art that can be merchandised, showcasing AI’s expanding role beyond digital outputs into real-world physical products.
2026 marks a breakthrough year for physical AI and generative media
The startup recently completed a pre-seed funding round led by Logan Kilpatrick, head of Google AI Studio at DeepMind. Kilpatrick described 2026 as a breakthrough year for physical AI and generative media, emphasizing Phyzify’s role at the forefront of this emerging trend. His prior collaboration with Reben at OpenAI informs his confidence in the company’s direction.
Alexander Reben’s background merges technology, robotics, and creative arts
Reben brings a rich history combining technology and art. His early research at MIT Media Lab focused on social robotics, leading to Boxie-a project that inspired Disney’s Baymax. Later, he directed technology and research at Berkeley’s Stochastic Labs, aligning innovation with creative arts. Becoming OpenAI’s first artist-in-residence in 2024 gave him unique access to AI tools to explore new artistic frontiers.
Phyzify aims to autonomously drive product realization from imagination
Phyzify’s holistic approach signals a future where AI doesn’t just assist creativity but autonomously drives product creation, streamlining tedious development tasks and enabling makers and businesses to manifest ideas physically. If Reben’s vision succeeds, 2026 could be remembered as the year AI routinely turned imagination into tangible products.