1X is accepting deposits for the supply of the NEO Humanoid robotic in 2026. | Credit score: 1X Applied sciences/Eli Russell Linnetz
1X Applied sciences AS this week mentioned customers can pre-order NEO, the humanoid robotic it has designed to be deployed in households. When the corporate unveiled its technique to develop NEO in August 2024, it pivoted to focus solely on the in-home marketplace for client humanoids.
The pre-launch announcement is noteworthy in that it signifies the start of a brand new section within the race to deploy humanoid robotics into the buyer market.
The purpose of NEO is to automate on a regular basis chores and provide customized help so folks can spend extra time on the issues that matter, acknowledged 1X. The firm mentioned it’s giving NEO intuitive, user-friendly options and a core platform that’s secure by design.
“Humanoids have been lengthy a factor of sci-fi … then they have been a factor of analysis, however at present — with the launch of NEO — humanoid robots grow to be a product. One thing that you simply and I can attain out and contact,” mentioned Bernt Børnich, founder and CEO of 1X. “NEO closes the hole between our imaginations and the world we dwell in, to the purpose the place we are able to truly ask a humanoid robotic for assist, and assistance is granted.”
In an interview with The Robotic Report Podcast final yr, Børnich described his imaginative and prescient for humanoids and his philosophy that whereas there stays an enormous hole within the coaching knowledge crucial for such robots, this downside is simpler to resolve within the dwelling than within the warehouse or manufacturing facility.
Børnich just isn’t alone on this perception. Rivals Brett Adcock, founder and CEO of Determine, and Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla, have each claimed that the largest alternative for humanoids will probably be within the dwelling. Adcock and Musk have additionally introduced plans to commercialize and ship humanoid robots for family use by the tip of 2026.
1X designs for security
Security in a house setting is the first hurdle to acceptance of this new expertise. 1X mentioned NEO’s {hardware} is constructed on its {hardware} experiences with prior fashions NEO Gamma and NEO Beta.
The most recent platform is constructed with 1X’s patented Tendon Drive, which it claimed makes use of “the highest-torque density motors on earth” to drive its transmissions. This actuation system is designed to generate secure and compliant actions round folks.
NEO features a head-to-toe mushy physique manufactured from customized 3D lattice polymer buildings. At 66 lb. (29.9 kg), NEO is able to lifting 154 lb. (69.8 kg) and carrying 55 lb. (24.9 kg).
As well as, NEO possesses built-in communication with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and 5G, in addition to a three-stage speaker within the pelvis and chest space, giving homeowners a built-in cellular dwelling leisure system.
1X Tendon Drive actuation creates exact, low-energy actions crucial for dwelling use. Credit score: 1X Applied sciences/Eli Russell Linnetz
NEO understands verbal instructions
In a current video interview (24:39), Adcock predicted that the operational interface for humanoid robots will probably be speech, counting on massive language fashions (LLMs) to correctly interpret person intent. The robotic will translate verbal requests into operational instructions for the robotic, he mentioned. A number of humanoid builders, together with Determine, Tesla, 1X, and Agility Robotics, have already demonstrated this performance.
Utilizing its speech interface, known as “Audio Intelligence,” NEO can acknowledge when it’s being addressed, making certain that it listens and responds solely when acceptable, mentioned 1X. Visible Intelligence provides contextual consciousness — letting NEO use what it sees to reinforce interactions, like recognizing substances on a kitchen counter and suggesting dishes to make.
Reminiscence allows continuity throughout conversations, permitting NEO to recall previous context and adapt its responses over time, in line with 1X. From scheduling appointments and setting reminders for birthdays to protecting grocery lists and monitoring progress in language classes, not solely would NEO save time, but it surely might additionally liberate beneficial psychological house, the firm asserted.
Finish customers can prepare NEO for brand spanking new duties
Synthetic intelligence will allow NEO to have conversations and navigate across the dwelling to supply assist the place wanted, 1X mentioned. It famous that the robotic will ship to early homeowners with the flexibility to deal with fundamental duties, and with continued use, it could actually study and develop new abilities.
NEO features a characteristic known as “Chores” that enables homeowners to provide the robotic a listing of duties and schedule a time for when they need them accomplished. 1X mentioned the robotic can be a private housekeeper, tackling duties like folding laundry, organizing cabinets, and tidying areas.
For any chore that NEO doesn’t but know, homeowners might schedule a 1X teleoperator to information it — serving to the robotic study whereas getting the job achieved.
From Day 1, NEO will carry out capabilities like opening doorways for visitors, fetching gadgets, and turning off the lights at evening. 1X mentioned it should develop in talents with each software program replace.
The corporate promised that privateness options are embedded within the robotic, together with “no go” zones within the dwelling the place the robotic won’t ever go, and the flexibility to blur the faces of individuals with whom it interacts.
NEO now accessible
NEO is now accessible for pre-order, with first orders transport to client houses in 2026. Clients can buy Early Entry for $20,000, which incorporates precedence supply in 2026, with a $200 deposit. A subscription providing can also be accessible for $499 per thirty days.
The robotic is available in tan, grey, and darkish brown. 1X mentioned it should begin delivering NEOs primarily within the U.S and broaden to different markets beginning in 2027.
