NEO: 1X Technologies' humanoid robot for home use is now available for pre-order
This week 1X Technologies AS officially announced the start of pre-orders for NEO – the humanoid robot the company designed specifically for household use. The announcement marks a new, decisive phase in the global race to bring humanoid robots to the consumer market.
In August 2024, 1X Technologies shifted its strategy entirely to the market for consumer humanoids, with the clear vision that the future of personal robotics is in the home.
The start of a new era: NEO enters the home
According to 1X, NEO's main goal is to provide personalized help and automate everyday tasks, freeing up people's time for the more important things in life. The robot was created with intuitive, easy-to-use features, built on a fundamental platform that is safe by design.
“Humanoids were part of science fiction for a long time, then they were a subject of research, but today – with the launch of NEO – humanoid robots are becoming a product. Something you and I can touch,” said Bernt Børnich, founder and CEO of 1X. “NEO bridges the gap between our imagination and the world we live in, to the point where we can ask a humanoid robot for help and it will be given.”
This vision is shared by competing leaders such as Brett Adcock (Figure) and Elon Musk (Tesla), who also argue that the biggest opportunity for humanoids lies precisely in the home, not in industrial warehouses or factories. Both Figure and Tesla plan to deliver humanoids for home use by the end of 2026.
Safety and design: A humanoid built for people
Safety in the home environment is the main obstacle to mass adoption of this new technology. 1X Technologies has drawn on its experience with previous models (NEO Gamma and NEO Beta) to create a platform that puts safety first.
- Tendon Drive system: NEO's hardware is built with 1X's patented Tendon Drive system. The company says it uses “the highest torque-density motors”, which generate safe and compliant movements around people.
- Physical characteristics: NEO has a soft body from head to toe, made of custom 3D lattice polymer structures. It weighs 29.9 kg (66 pounds), can lift 69.8 kg (154 pounds) and carry 24.9 kg (55 pounds).
- Connectivity and entertainment: The robot has built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and 5G communication, as well as a three-way speaker, which also makes it a mobile home entertainment system.
Intelligence and interaction: NEO understands spoken commands
Many humanoid developers predict that speech will be the operating interface, relying on large language models (LLMs) to correctly interpret the user's intentions. NEO demonstrates this functionality through its “Audio Intelligence” speech interface. It can recognize when it's being addressed, ensuring it listens and responds only when needed.
- Contextual awareness: NEO's “Visual Intelligence” adds context – letting it use what it sees to improve interactions, for example recognizing ingredients on a kitchen counter and suggesting dishes to cook.
- Learning and memory: Memory provides continuity in conversations, allowing NEO to remember past context. For new tasks the robot doesn't know, owners can use the “Chores” feature to give it a list of tasks.
- Teleoperator training: For any unfamiliar task, owners can schedule a 1X teleoperator to guide the robot remotely, helping it learn while it does the work.
From day one, NEO can perform functions such as opening doors, picking up objects and turning off the lights. 1X promises that its capabilities will grow with every software update, thanks to Artificial Intelligence.
Privacy and availability
1X Technologies has built privacy features into the robot, including “no-go” zones in the home and the ability to blur the faces of the people it interacts with.
NEO is now available for pre-order. The first orders are expected to be delivered to customers' homes in 2026. Customers can buy early access for $20,000 (with a $200 deposit), which includes priority delivery. A subscription model of $499 per month is also offered.
Deliveries will start in the US, with expansion to other markets planned for 2027. The robot comes in three colors: beige, gray and dark brown.
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