Mohammedia -On October 28, Norwegian-based robotics firm 1X Technologies revealed its latest humanoid robot, NEO. The announcement drew widespread attention and sparked extensive discussion across technology circles and social media platforms.
Sleek, soft-bodied, and roughly the height of an average adult, NEO isn't a sci-fi concept anymore, but rather a real product that can be ordered at $20,000 or rented at $499 per month. Its delivery is expected to begin in 2026.
1X has already made waves in the tech world for its previous model, EVE. NEO would represent the world's first human-like robot ready for household use.
This personal robotic assistant can fold laundry, wash dishes, clean up the room, and retrieve things when you misplace them, according to the company's claims.
The robotic system is fueled by a language and vision model named RedWood AI, and it can charge its own batteries.
However, like all other promises of the future, the fine print has some more complicated details. For instance, NEO does not cook (yet), is not fully waterproof, and should not be left alone with kids and pets. In other instances, when it gets confused, a human operator working for 1X can walk it through its chores.
A robot with a human backup
Here's the catch that's dividing opinions: NEO has a brain that isn't all its own. This robot relies on both AI and human control. When NEO encounters an unfamiliar situation, 1X has human operators who can intervene and remotely control NEO in real-time, helping it learn new skills.
The company has termed this "Expert Mode." Users can opt in or out of this service, the website explains. If opted in, a support representative could momentarily see through the cameras of the NEO robot to assist the machine.
This enables the robot to learn and improve, although at the cost of its customers' privacy. "A human will be 'embodied' inside the robot remotely. This brings major privacy concerns to the home," said Robert Scoble on X.
Nevertheless, 1X argues that this is the only realistic way to integrate humanoid robots in households sooner rather than later. While autonomy is the goal, assisted learning is the stepping stone.
"For robots to be truly intelligent and show nuances like being careful around your pet, holding the door open for an elderly person, and generally behaving like we want robots to behave, they have to live and learn among us," 1X CEO Bernt Øyvind Børnich said at the launch.
This strategy has both supporters and critics among tech enthusiasts. While some find the solution brilliantly practical, others think the best way to describe the innovation is basically remote labor disguised as AI.
However, everyone can agree on the fact that seeing the robotic device available for order, as one would other appliances, is fascinatingly weird.
A glimpse at the future
So, what exactly does one get for $20,000? A 29.94 kg, 167.64 cm humanoid with skin-like fabric, two expressive eyes, a built-in GPU, several cameras, mics, and four hours of life when charged through a wall outlet.
They talk, walk, and can charge themselves. The colors like Tan, Gray, and Dark Brown give it a minimalist appearance, like furniture rather than a cold metal machine.
But NEO's abilities are still limited. For example, it can't handle sharp objects, extreme temperatures, and outdoor chores.
NEO should rather be considered as a friendly indoor helper than a full-fledged butler. Yes, if you lost your keys, NEO will locate them.
This has not slowed the early adopters. Preorders opened recently, with a required $200 refundable deposit.
"Early Access" customers can expect their robots in 2026, while subscription customers will follow.
Critics, on the other hand, are raising eyebrows at the cost and the privacy trade-offs. Some call it "a luxury for the lonely", while others argue it's just a step toward normalizing human-like AI in everyday life.
Until now, the best thing that can be said about the current state of humanoid robots is that NEO represents one of the first true steps toward incorporating such machines into everyday life.