Sam Altman’s Worldcoin Launches Orb Mini: A Portable Device for Human Verification

In a bold move to tackle the growing challenge of distinguishing between humans and AI online, Tools for Humanity—the startup behind the Worldcoin project—has officially unveiled the Orb Mini, a compact, mobile verification device. Co-founded by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and Alex Blania, Worldcoin aims to create a reliable system of “proof of humanity” in the digital age.

What Is the Orb Mini?

Revealed at the “At Last” event in San Francisco, the Orb Mini is a smaller, portable version of the original Orb. Designed with a sleek, smartphone-like appearance, the device features two front-facing sensors that scan the user’s iris to verify their human identity. The goal? To establish a global, secure method for distinguishing real people from artificial intelligence.

Developed by Industry Veterans

Rich Heley, Chief Device Officer at Tools for Humanity and a former Apple executive, led the product launch. The Orb Mini’s design was reportedly influenced by Thomas Meyerhoff, another former Apple designer, ensuring the device not only functions well but also offers a user-friendly experience.

How It Works

Once a user’s iris is scanned by the Orb or Orb Mini, they receive a unique, blockchain-based identifier confirming their human status. This digital ID is part of Worldcoin’s broader mission to build a decentralized identity network that preserves privacy while ensuring authenticity.

Expansion in the U.S. Market

Tools for Humanity also announced the U.S. rollout of the World Network, with verification storefronts opening in major cities including:

• Austin

• Atlanta

• Los Angeles

• Miami

• Nashville

• San Francisco

These locations will allow users to visit physical stores and complete their identity verification in person using the Orb or Orb Mini.

What’s Next for the Orb Mini?

While the Orb Mini currently serves as a human verification tool, company executives hint at future plans. According to Alex Blania, the device may eventually double as a mobile point-of-sale system. There’s also potential for licensing the sensor technology to third-party hardware manufacturers, expanding its use cases far beyond identity checks.

Worldcoin’s Global Impact So Far

To date, over 26 million people have signed up, with 12 million successfully verified through the Orb system. Although much of its growth has been in Latin America, South America, and Asia, the U.S. launch marks a major milestone in Worldcoin’s global expansion strategy.

The Bigger Picture

Worldcoin, originally known as “World,” envisions a future where digital trust is essential. As generative AI continues to blur the lines between bots and humans, devices like the Orb Mini are becoming crucial in building a transparent, secure online ecosystem.