The U.S.-based company 1X has announced the start of pre-orders for NEO, the world’s first consumer-ready humanoid robot designed to revolutionize life at home. This innovative robot can automate daily chores and provide personalized assistance, allowing people to focus on more meaningful activities, reports Baltimore Chronicle with reference to the official 1X website.
NEO combines an intuitive, user-friendly interface with a cutting-edge hardware platform, making it one of the safest, most capable, and accessible humanoid robots globally. The developers highlight that NEO transforms science-fiction concepts into real-life experiences, enabling people to interact directly with a humanoid assistant. Bernt Børnich, CEO and Founder of 1X, emphasized that with NEO, humanoid robots have moved from experimental prototypes to commercially available products that ordinary users can own and operate.
A key feature of NEO is Chores, which allows owners to assign household tasks and set schedules for their completion. The robot can independently tidy spaces, fold laundry, and organize shelves. Using simple voice commands or a mobile app, NEO becomes a personal housekeeper. For tasks it does not yet know, owners can schedule guidance from a 1X Expert, who remotely trains NEO to complete new actions.
NEO is equipped with a large language model (LLM), enabling natural conversations, advice, scheduling, and reminders without relying on screens. Its Audio Intelligence allows it to recognize when it is being addressed, while Visual Intelligence provides contextual awareness — for example, identifying kitchen ingredients and suggesting recipes. The memory function ensures continuity across interactions, allowing NEO to adapt and personalize its responses over time.
At the core of NEO is artificial intelligence, which enables autonomous movement and task completion in real home environments. From day one, the robot can open doors, fetch items, and turn off lights, while software updates allow it to learn new skills. NEO utilizes 1X’s AI model trained on real-world data, making it capable of adapting to diverse home conditions.
Technically, NEO represents a breakthrough in robotics. Its patented Tendon Drive system provides smooth, safe movements, while 22 degrees-of-freedom hands and a soft 3D lattice polymer body ensure human-level dexterity. Weighing just 66 pounds (29.94 kg), NEO can lift up to 154 pounds (69.85 kg) and carry 55 pounds (24.95 kg), with a noise level of only 22 dB — quieter than a modern refrigerator. The robot supports Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and 5G, and its three-stage audio system embedded in the pelvis and chest creates an integrated home entertainment experience.
NEO’s design is minimalist and intended to blend seamlessly into living spaces. It is available in three colors — Tan, Gray, and Dark Brown. Pre-orders are open on 1X.tech, with first deliveries expected in 2026. Early Access is priced at $20,000, including priority delivery, with an optional subscription of $499 per month. Initial shipments will begin in the U.S., with plans to expand to international markets in 2027.
Earlier we wrote that Musk Introduces Grokipedia — The AI Encyclopedia Challenging Wikipedia’s Dominance.