Tools for Humanity, co-founded by Sam Altman, launched the Orb Mini, a portable device that scans irises to verify human identity for its World project. The company aims to expand in the U.S. with storefronts and 12M+ global verifications, though AI integration remains unclear
The company behind the World human verification project, co-founded by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, introduced a new mobile gadget on Wednesday aimed at distinguishing humans from AI bots.
At its “At Last” event in San Francisco, Rich Heley, Tools for Humanity’s Chief Device Officer and an ex-Apple director, revealed the Orb Mini—a smartphone-like device equipped with dual sensors to scan users’ irises.
World, a web3 initiative originally named Worldcoin and launched by Altman and Alex Blania, operates on the premise that AI and humans will soon be indistinguishable online. To counter this, the project is developing digital “proof of human” verification tools, with the Orb Mini being its latest effort to onboard millions of users.
By scanning an individual’s eyeball using its signature silver Orbs—or now, the more compact Orb Mini—World assigns a blockchain-based unique ID to confirm their human status.
As reported by TechCrunch, A Tools for Humanity spokesperson described the Orb Mini as a portable, smartphone-shaped device, distinct from its bulkier Orb counterparts. The design was reportedly influenced by former Apple designer Thomas Meyerhoff.
While the Orb Mini’s primary function is identity verification—not calling, texting, or app usage—its long-term capabilities remain uncertain. Post-event, Blania hinted at ambitions to evolve the device into a mobile payment terminal or even license its sensor tech to manufacturers.
On Thursday, Tools for Humanity will expand its World Network to the U.S., launching physical stores in Austin, Atlanta, Los Angeles, Miami, Nashville, and San Francisco. These locations, already operational abroad, allow users to get their irises scanned by an Orb.
Globally, World claims 26 million sign-ups and 12 million verified users, with strong traction in Latin America, South America, and Asia. The latest rollout targets U.S. growth.
Though details on the Orb Mini are sparse, its launch signals a push for wider verification accessibility. While World’s goals have evolved, the Orb remains central to its vision.
A lingering question is whether World will integrate with Altman’s OpenAI. It’s unknown if the Orb Mini will incorporate AI features or connect to OpenAI’s rumored AI hardware project.