A new humanoid robot named Neo is now available for pre-order, aiming to become a personal assistant in homes. Standing 5 feet, 6 inches tall and weighing about as much as a golden retriever, Neo promises to handle everyday chores from folding laundry to tidying shelves. This California-based company, 1X, is positioning Neo as a "consumer-ready humanoid" for the home environment.
Key Takeaways
- Neo, a humanoid robot, is now available for pre-order for $20,000, or a future $499 monthly subscription.
- It is designed for household tasks like laundry, cleaning, and grocery handling.
- The robot features a tendon-driven motor system for smooth movement and can lift up to 154 pounds.
- Early adopters will help Neo learn autonomously, raising questions about privacy and data collection.
- Initial shipments are expected in the US in 2026, with a broader international rollout in 2027.
Neo Targets the Smart Home Market
Unlike other humanoid robots currently under development by companies like Tesla and Figure, which focus on industrial or factory settings, Neo is specifically designed for domestic use. This marks a significant shift, bringing the long-held science fiction dream of a robot butler closer to reality. The robot is priced at $20,000, with pre-orders requiring a $200 down payment. A subscription model, expected to cost $499 per month, will be available later.
Neo is a different class of device compared to existing robot vacuums. It represents an ambitious step towards integrating advanced robotics into daily home life. The company highlights its ability to perform a variety of household tasks.
Neo's Capabilities at a Glance
- Height: 5 feet, 6 inches
- Weight: Approximately 70-75 pounds (like a golden retriever)
- Lifting Capacity: Up to 154 pounds
- Carrying Capacity: 55 pounds
- Battery Life: 4 hours runtime
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 5G
- AI: Built-in Large Language Model (LLM) for conversation
Advanced Design and Functionality
The robot's design emphasizes smooth, human-like movement. This is achieved through 1X's tendon-driven motor system. This system allows for gentle motion while also providing impressive strength. The company states Neo can lift up to 154 pounds and carry items weighing up to 55 pounds. Its operation is also remarkably quiet, reportedly quieter than a typical refrigerator.
Neo's exterior is covered in soft materials and neutral colors. This design choice aims to make the robot appear less intimidating compared to the metallic prototypes seen from other developers. Its hands are IP68-rated, meaning they are submersible in water, suggesting durability for various tasks. For communication, Neo integrates a built-in Large Language Model (LLM), similar to the AI technology powering ChatGPT and Gemini, allowing for natural language interaction.
"It's less about Neo instantly doing your chores and more about you helping Neo learn to do them safely and effectively."
Bernt Børnich, CEO of 1X
Early Autonomy and Human Oversight
While the vision for Neo is full autonomy, its initial capabilities rely on a degree of human intervention. Early reports indicate that Neo is currently largely teleoperated. This means a human operator often controls the robot remotely using a virtual-reality headset and controllers. 1X CEO Bernt Børnich has stated that Neo will perform most tasks autonomously by 2026, though he acknowledges the quality may initially vary.
Early adopters will play a crucial role in Neo's development. By integrating the robot into their homes, users will help Neo learn from various environments. This learning process is essential for future versions to operate more independently and efficiently. This collaborative approach highlights the evolving nature of consumer robotics.
The Learning Process
Neo learns through a combination of visual, audio, and contextual intelligence. This means it can observe its surroundings, interpret spoken commands, and remember past interactions. This continuous learning is intended to improve its performance over time. The company emphasizes that buying Neo means agreeing to a 'social contract' where users contribute to its development.
Privacy Considerations and Future Rollout
Introducing an AI-equipped humanoid robot into the home naturally raises privacy concerns. 1X states it is implementing measures to protect user privacy. Neo is designed to listen only when directly addressed. Its cameras will blur human faces to maintain anonymity. Users will also have the ability to restrict Neo from entering or viewing specific areas within their homes. The company assures that the robot will never be teleoperated without the owner's explicit approval.
These privacy safeguards are critical as the robot gathers visual, audio, and contextual data from the home environment. The company's commitment aims to build trust with early adopters who are essentially inviting an advanced AI into their private spaces.
- Privacy Features:
- Listens only when addressed.
- Cameras blur human faces.
- Users can restrict access to certain home areas.
- No teleoperation without owner approval.
The first units of Neo are scheduled to ship to customers in the United States in 2026. A broader international rollout is planned for 2027. This phased introduction will allow 1X to refine the technology and address any challenges that arise from real-world usage. The journey for Neo to fully realize its potential, much like the iconic Rosie the Robot from The Jetsons, has just begun, but it represents a tangible step into the future of household automation.