Norwegian startup 1X Technologies has opened pre-orders for its home humanoid robot, Neo. Priced at approximately $20,000 (approximately 28 million won), Neo is slated for delivery in 2026. Neo is the first consumer humanoid robot designed to live alongside humans and perform household chores.
Neo can perform basic tasks like opening doors, turning off lights, and retrieving items, and users can operate it with buttons or voice commands. Initial models will be released with a combination of autonomous operation and remote control. Users can use a smartphone app to set a specific time for the robot to perform tasks like opening the dishwasher door, allowing the remote operator to control the robot on their behalf. Remote operators cannot control the robot without the user's permission, and certain areas of the home can be designated as private areas.
1X plans to train its robots using real-world user data to enhance their autonomy. CEO Bernd Bornich stated, "For robots to become better products, they need to gather data from real-world environments." However, the inclusion of remote control via cameras has also raised privacy concerns.
Neo stands 167cm tall and weighs 30kg. Its soft knit exterior and rounded shape enhance safety when in contact with humans. Its hands feature a sophisticated structure with 22 degrees of freedom, enabling precise movements like folding a towel or carrying a water bottle. It also features a quiet 22-decibel motor, allowing it to operate quietly in the home.
1X plans to launch the Neo first in the US market and expand to other countries starting in 2027. It is currently available in three colors (tan, gray, and dark brown) and is available for pre-order for $20,000 or as a $499/month subscription.
