1X Launches NEO Humanoid Robot for Home Chores as Market Eyes $400 Billion Growth

• NEO uses patented tendon-drive actuation for safe, gentle movements around people and homes.

• It features an onboard large language model for conversations, task learning, and personalized assistance.

• Analysts project the humanoid and service-robot markets to exceed $300 billion in the next decade, driven by AI advances and labor shortages.

Discover the NEO humanoid robot revolutionizing home automation with AI-driven chores and safety features. Learn how 1X’s innovation sets new standards in robotics—explore pricing and capabilities today.

What is the NEO Humanoid Robot?

The NEO humanoid robot is an advanced household companion developed by Palo Alto-based 1X, designed to automate daily chores and provide personalized assistance through integrated AI. Launched on Tuesday, NEO stands out with its lightweight 66-pound frame that can lift up to 154 pounds, operating at a whisper-quiet 22 decibels. It employs a patented tendon-drive actuation system for safe interactions and features 22-degree-of-freedom hands for human-level dexterity.

How Does NEO’s AI Enable Household Tasks?

NEO’s onboard large language model allows it to engage in conversations, recall context, and execute tasks via voice commands or button presses. It can fold laundry, organize shelves, tidy rooms, and learn new chores with human guidance, including scheduling 1X Experts for training. According to 1X founder and CEO Bernt Børnich, this vision stems from sci-fi inspirations, focusing on freeing humans for meaningful activities. The robot’s soft body, constructed from 3D-lattice polymer structures, incorporates Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and 5G for seamless connectivity. 1X Vice President of Product and Design Dar Sleeper emphasized its safety: “Neo is engineered from the ground up for safety. Its tendon-driven body is quiet and lightweight.” As labor shortages rise, such embodied AI advancements are projected by analysts to propel the humanoid and service-robot sectors to nearly $400 billion within a decade.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the pricing for the NEO humanoid robot?

The NEO humanoid robot is available through a $499 monthly subscription or a one-time purchase of $20,000, both requiring a $200 deposit to reserve a unit. This model allows 1X to continuously update and improve the robot’s capabilities over time.

How does the NEO robot compare to other humanoid robots like those from Tesla or Figure AI?

Unlike industrial-focused models from Tesla or Figure AI, which emphasize factory lines and deliveries, NEO targets home environments with a focus on safety, quiet operation, and personalized chores. It shares market momentum with competitors like Agility Robotics but prioritizes household trust and functionality. Analysts note a crowded field, including budget options from Unitree Robotics and advanced systems from Chinese firms like Midea Group.

Key Takeaways

• Market Growth: The humanoid and service-robot sectors are expected to surpass $300 billion in the next decade, fueled by AI progress and global labor demands.
• Safety Innovations: NEO’s tendon-drive system and soft polymer body ensure gentle, low-energy movements, reducing risks in home settings while maintaining dexterity.
• Future Autonomy: Starting with guided tasks, NEO will evolve to full autonomy, becoming an indispensable household helper through ongoing software updates.

Conclusion

The launch of the NEO humanoid robot by 1X marks a pivotal shift in home robotics, blending advanced AI with practical safety features to address everyday chores amid a booming market projected at nearly $400 billion. As competitors like Richtech Robotics with its Dex model and Unitree’s G1 intensify the race, innovations such as NEO’s tendon-driven design and learning capabilities underscore the sector’s rapid evolution. Looking ahead, these humanoid robots promise to enhance daily life, offering users more time for what truly matters—stay tuned for further advancements in this transformative technology.