1X announces NEO, the world’s first humanoid robot for home use

Robotics company 1X has unveiled the NEO Home Robot, which it calls the world’s first consumer-ready humanoid robot. The Norway-based firm opened preorders this week, positioning NEO as a household assistant designed to handle everyday chores and potentially beating Tesla’s Optimus robot to market.

Standing 5 feet 6 inches tall and weighing 66 pounds, NEO features a soft 3D lattice polymer exterior and comes in Tan, Gray, or Dark Brown. It supports Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and 5G connectivity and can be controlled through voice commands or a mobile app. The robot can lift up to 150 pounds and carry 55 pounds, although 1X advises against using it outdoors or in wet conditions.

NEO has four hours of battery life and can perform simple tasks such as folding laundry or tidying up, though demonstrations show it still struggles with balance and speed. During a trial observed by the Wall Street Journal, the robot took two minutes to fold a shirt and needed guidance to close a dishwasher.

To handle more complex tasks, 1X offers remote assistance, allowing company operators to guide the robot via VR headsets. This setup, while useful for training, raises questions about privacy and security. The company says remote access requires user permission and that NEO’s “ear” lights change color when being piloted remotely.

For now, 1X is marketing NEO to early adopters and tech enthusiasts. The robot costs $20,000 (around ₱1.18 million, direct conversion) to purchase outright, requiring a $200 (around ₱11,800) deposit at preorder, or $499 (around ₱29,500) per month for a six-month lease. Deliveries are expected to begin in the U.S. next year, with international availability planned for 2027.

The launch marks a major milestone for 1X, previously known as Halodi Robotics, which also developed the EVE warehouse robot. NEO enters a growing race in humanoid robotics, joining competitors like Tesla’s Optimus and XPENG’s Iron, though both remain in prototype testing.