Copyright Interesting Engineering
The age of domestic humanoids has officially begun. Robotics firm 1X has opened preorders for NEO, the world’s first consumer-ready humanoid designed to automate household chores and offer personal assistance at home. Touted as the safest, most capable, and most affordable humanoid ever built, NEO promises to make the sci-fi fantasy of humanlike home robots a reality. Whether it’s folding laundry, organizing shelves, or setting reminders, NEO is built to help people reclaim their time and mental space. “Humanoids were long a thing of sci-fi… then they were a thing of research, but today — with the launch of NEO — humanoid robots become a product,” said Bernt Børnich, CEO and founder of 1X. “Something that you and I can reach out and touch.” Børnich added that NEO “closes the gap between our imaginations and the world we live in,” marking a shift from research prototypes to consumer-ready companions designed for everyday life. Smart help at home At the heart of NEO is the Chores feature, which lets owners assign, schedule, and track tasks. Using simple voice or app commands, users can ask NEO to tidy rooms, fold laundry, or clean up spaces in real time. For tasks it doesn’t yet know, owners can book a 1X Expert to guide the robot, allowing it to learn while getting the job done. Beyond physical chores, NEO is equipped with a built-in large language model (LLM) that enables conversation and contextual understanding without the need for screens. Its Audio Intelligence ensures NEO listens only when addressed, while Visual Intelligence allows it to identify objects and situations — like spotting ingredients on a counter and suggesting recipes. The humanoid also comes with Memory, giving it continuity across conversations. It can remember grocery lists, birthdays, or past discussions and adjust its responses over time. That means it’s not just a helper, but a learning companion that grows smarter with each interaction. NEO’s brain runs on 1X’s proprietary AI model, trained on real-world data to navigate the most unpredictable environment: the home. At launch, it can open doors, fetch items, or switch off lights, but it’s built to evolve. With software updates, NEO will continue to learn new skills and adapt to the household’s routines. Its hardware is just as advanced. NEO builds on 1X’s previous robots, featuring a patented Tendon Drive powered by the highest-torque density motors in the world. This gives NEO natural, gentle movements that are safe around people. Weighing only 66 pounds (29.9 kg), NEO can lift 154 pounds (69.8 kg) and operate quietly at 22 dB, softer than a modern refrigerator. The humanoid also features Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and 5G connectivity, along with a built-in speaker system for entertainment.
