1X Technologies and the Future of Everyday Robots: What You Should Know
Robots aren’t just for science fiction anymore. 1X Technologies — a fast-growing robotics company backed by OpenAI’s Startup Fund — is building the next generation of humanoid robots meant to live and work alongside people.
Their newest creation, NEO, might just redefine what “home assistant” means. It’s elegant, intuitive, and designed to help with daily routines in a way no smart device ever has.
But what makes 1X Technologies special isn’t just the technology. It’s their grounded vision of how robots can fit naturally into human life — safely, intelligently, and meaningfully.
Let’s take a closer look at how 1X Technologies’ future is unfolding, and why NEO could be the first humanoid robot to make it into everyday homes.
From Halodi to 1X Technologies: Building Toward Human-Centered Robotics
Founded in 2014 by engineer Bernt Øyvind Børnich, 1X Technologies began as Halodi Robotics in Norway. The company’s early robot, EVE, was designed for security and logistics tasks — practical, not flashy.
Over time, EVE evolved into something more ambitious. Its success in structured environments like warehouses laid the foundation for a bipedal robot capable of handling unpredictable human spaces — the kitchen, the living room, and beyond.
By 2022, Halodi rebranded as 1X Technologies, signaling a focus on one-to-one human-robot interaction. “1X” means one extension — one human multiplied by technology. The mission: build robots that extend human ability, not replace it.
Introducing NEO: The Future You Can Pre-Order
In early 2025, 1X unveiled NEO, its most advanced humanoid robot yet — a fully bipedal assistant that walks, gestures, and interacts with the physical world like a person.
Designed for home and personal environments, NEO blends smooth mechanical movement with AI-driven adaptability. It can handle simple domestic tasks, learn from human demonstrations, and interact through natural language.
What makes this moment even more remarkable? NEO isn’t just a prototype — it’s available for early access purchase and monthly subscription, signaling that humanoid robotics is finally crossing into real consumer territory.
Here are the official purchase options currently offered by 1X Technologies:
- Early Access Purchase: A one-time payment of $20,000 for priority delivery in 2026. A $200 refundable deposit is required to place the pre-order.
- Monthly Subscription: A rental plan at $499 per month, ideal for users who want to experience NEO without a long-term commitment.
- Availability: Pre-orders are now being accepted directly through the 1X Technologies website.
- Colors: Available in Tan, Gray, and Dark Brown, designed to blend naturally into modern interiors.
These flexible options show that 1X isn’t just building robots for tech enthusiasts — it’s creating pathways for everyday users to adopt robotics at their own pace.
Why NEO Is a Big Deal for Home Robotics
NEO represents more than a new product — it’s a major step forward for embodied intelligence. Its AI system allows it to learn by example, not just by code. Show it how to set a table or water a plant once, and it can repeat or adapt that task based on context.
The result is a machine that doesn’t just follow instructions — it understands intention.
NEO’s smooth, human-like motion is powered by advanced actuators and balance algorithms that let it move safely around people, pets, and furniture. Combined with its soft exterior and minimalist design, NEO feels less like a gadget and more like a helpful presence.
How 1X Technologies Stands Apart
While big names like Tesla (Optimus), Agility Robotics (Digit), and Figure AI (Figure 01) dominate headlines, 1X Technologies quietly takes a different path.
Here’s what sets them apart:
- Safety First Design – Every mechanical joint and AI layer is optimized for human-safe interaction.
- Practical Use Cases – NEO isn’t meant for factories; it’s meant for homes, offices, and elder care.
- Full-Stack Engineering – 1X builds its actuators, software, and AI models in-house, ensuring long-term reliability.
- Human-Centered AI – The company focuses on emotional trust and comfort as much as function.
This makes 1X Technologies’ future less about automation — and more about augmentation.
Inside NEO’s Design
NEO’s form factor strikes a rare balance between utility and aesthetic design. Standing at human height, its neutral colors and soft finish make it blend effortlessly into daily life.
The team designed every motion to feel natural — turning its head, shifting its weight, or picking up an object — mimicking human rhythm and posture.
The result: interactions that feel familiar, not mechanical.
The Brain Behind the Robot
At the heart of NEO is 1X’s embodied intelligence system — a mix of traditional control models and deep learning algorithms.
Unlike typical robots that rely on rigid programming, NEO uses machine learning to adapt its movements based on feedback from its environment.
This “see, learn, and repeat” capability allows it to:
- Understand spatial layouts
- Adjust to obstacles dynamically
- Handle delicate objects with controlled pressure
- Respond to human gestures and voice cues
Over time, NEO becomes more efficient and responsive through real-world use — learning how to live in your environment, not just navigate it.
The Human Factor: Safety and Trust
For 1X, trust is non-negotiable. Their robots are built around compliance control — a system that ensures a human always has physical and digital override authority.
This means no unpredictable behavior, no unsafe motions, and a design philosophy centered on coexistence.
As CEO Bernt Øyvind Børnich put it in a recent interview:
“We’re not building robots to replace people. We’re building them to work with people, safely, every day.”
That attitude is what gives 1X Technologies’ future credibility in an industry filled with hype.
Funding and Momentum
In 2024, 1X secured $100 million in Series B funding, led by EQT Ventures and backed by OpenAI’s Startup Fund, Tiger Global, and others.
OpenAI’s participation signals a long-term interest in integrating large language models into humanoid robotics. This could allow NEO to understand emotional context and conversational nuance — a leap forward from scripted voice assistants.
Investors view 1X as one of the most realistic players capable of commercializing humanoids within the decade.
More from Blogs: Generative AI vs Predictive AI: Understanding the Key Differences and Future Impact
Realistic Challenges
Even with all this promise, challenges remain:
- Affordability – While $20,000 is groundbreaking for a humanoid robot, mainstream adoption will need further cost reduction.
- Battery Efficiency – All-day operation is still a major technical challenge.
- Software Adaptability – Teaching NEO to navigate diverse home layouts safely requires continuous AI improvement.
- Human Comfort – People need time to adjust emotionally to having humanoids in their homes.
Still, these challenges are more about when, not if, they’ll be solved.
Expert Opinions
Industry analysts increasingly see 1X Technologies as one of the most grounded players in humanoid robotics.
AI ethics researcher Dr. Susan Harper recently said:
“1X understands that trust and usability are more important than flash. They’re doing what so many others overlook — designing for the human heart as much as the human hand.”
That human-first approach could define how robots are accepted into society.
The Competitive Field
| Company | Robot | Focus | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1X Technologies | NEO | Home, personal assistance | Safe, adaptive learning |
| Tesla | Optimus | Industrial tasks | Integration with Tesla ecosystem |
| Figure AI | Figure 01 | General-purpose | Lightweight and agile |
| Agility Robotics | Digit | Warehouse automation | Commercial pilots in logistics |
While others aim at large-scale labor replacement, 1X’s goal is more personal — making robots approachable, useful, and part of daily human life.
Closure
1X Technologies is quietly doing what many said was impossible — turning humanoid robots into real products. With NEO now available for pre-order and a flexible subscription model, the company has moved beyond prototypes into early commercialization.
If they deliver on their promises, 1X won’t just be part of the robotics conversation — they’ll define it.
Their focus on safety, empathy, and adaptability could make 1X Technologies’ future the blueprint for how robots become part of our daily lives.
We might soon wake up to a world where a humanoid assistant isn’t a luxury — it’s an everyday partner that learns, listens, and lives with us.
FAQs
1. How can I pre-order the NEO robot?
You can pre-order directly from the official 1X Technologies website with a $200 refundable deposit.
2. What are the pricing options?
There’s a $20,000 early access purchase option for 2026 delivery, or a $499 monthly subscription plan.
3. When will NEO be delivered?
Priority deliveries for early access buyers are scheduled for 2026.
4. What colors are available?
NEO is available in Tan, Gray, and Dark Brown.
5. What makes 1X Technologies different from other robotics firms?
Their focus on human safety, embodied learning, and emotional trust sets them apart from competitors chasing raw automation.
