Key Points
- Neo is priced at $20,000 and marketed as a home assistant.
- The robot stands 5 feet 6 inches tall and weighs as much as a golden retriever.
- It can lift up to 154 pounds and carry 55 pounds, with a four‑hour battery life.
- Current operation relies heavily on remote teleoperation via VR controllers.
- 1X promises full autonomy by 2026, though early performance may be limited.
- Privacy features include voice‑activated listening, camera face‑blurring, and user‑defined no‑enter zones.
- A $499 monthly subscription option is planned, timing not yet disclosed.
- First shipments are expected in the U.S. in 2026, with global rollout in 2027.
Introducing Neo
1X, a California‑based robotics firm, announced Neo as its first consumer‑ready humanoid robot. Priced at $20,000, Neo is positioned as a home assistant capable of handling everyday tasks such as loading a dishwasher, folding laundry, and even fetching groceries. The robot stands 5 feet 6 inches tall, weighs roughly the same as a golden retriever, and is covered in soft, neutral‑colored materials that give it a less industrial appearance.
Technical Capabilities
Neo’s tendon‑driven motor system enables a smooth, human‑like gait. According to 1X, the robot can lift up to 154 pounds and carry a load of 55 pounds. Its hands are IP68‑rated, allowing submersion in water, and the unit runs for about four hours on a single charge. Connectivity options include Wi‑Fi, Bluetooth, and 5G, while a built‑in large language model powers conversational interactions similar to popular AI chat services.
Control and Operation
The primary control method is voice interaction, letting users issue commands as if speaking to a person. However, current demonstrations indicate that Neo is largely teleoperated: a human operator uses a virtual‑reality headset and controllers to maneuver the robot in real time. 1X’s CEO, Bernt Børnich, stated that fully autonomous operation is expected by 2026, though early performance may lag.
Learning, Support, and Subscription Model
If Neo encounters a task it cannot complete, owners can schedule an expert from 1X to assist and teach the robot the new chore. In addition to the outright purchase price, 1X plans to offer a $499 monthly subscription, though the rollout date for that model remains unspecified.
Privacy Measures
Neo continuously gathers visual, audio, and contextual data to improve its performance. To address privacy concerns, the robot only listens when it detects its name, blurs human faces captured by its cameras, and allows owners to set no‑enter zones where the robot will not go or record. Teleoperation is said to require explicit owner approval.
Market Outlook
The first Neo units are slated to ship in the United States in 2026, with an international rollout expected in 2027. While the price point and reliance on remote operation have drawn criticism from industry observers, Neo represents a tangible step toward bringing humanoid robotics into everyday consumer life.
Source: cnet.com