Imagine a future where robots handle household chores like laundry folding, shelf organizing, and tidying up – that future may arrive sooner than expected. American company 1X Home Robots has unveiled NEO, the first consumer-ready humanoid robot designed for everyday home tasks. Capable of learning user preferences through its large language model (LLM) AI, NEO can even offer suggestions like recipe ideas or birthday reminders.
While the promise is exciting – turning science fiction into reality and freeing up your time – there are some caveats to consider. While NEO boasts impressive capabilities like lifting over 68 kilograms and carrying 25 kilograms, early testing by The Wall Street Journal revealed potential limitations. The robot may require human intervention for certain tasks, and the company might even need to remotely access its “eyes” to guide it through chores effectively.
This reliance on human oversight raises questions about NEO’s true level of autonomy. 1X Home Robots acknowledges the need for user data to refine the robot’s performance. The company CEO stated that this data collection is essential for improving NEO’s capabilities. This statement, however, might make some potential buyers hesitant, particularly those concerned about privacy and data security in a smart home environment.
A Multifaceted Robot?
NEO isn’t just about chores; 1X Home Robots positions it as an all-in-one solution for home entertainment too. It comes equipped with WiFi, Bluetooth, and even a “three-stage speaker” system, aiming to transform your living space into a mobile hub.
The company boasts that NEO will allow users to “enjoy our time at home instead of coming home just to do more work.” This ambitious goal sits alongside the current reality: while NEO can learn and adapt to individual preferences, it might not yet be the fully autonomous assistant envisioned by its creators.
Early Bird Pricing and Competition
NEO is set to hit American homes in 2026 with an initial price tag of $20,000 (€17,060) or a monthly subscription option of $499 (€425.70). This places it firmly in the premium category for robot assistants.
Interestingly, NEO’s launch coincides with Figure AI releasing its own home robot, Figure 03. While Figure 03 is not yet available for purchase, this competition within the nascent humanoid robot market hints at a potential future where such sophisticated assistants become more commonplace.
It remains to be seen whether NEO will fulfill its ambitious promises or face challenges along the way as it navigates the complex world of real-world home environments and user expectations. Only time will tell if consumers are truly ready to welcome a $20,000 robot into their homes, despite potential limitations.
