Introduction
The world is on the cusp of a robotics revolution, with humanoid robots set to transform our daily lives. From performing household chores to assisting in industries, these intelligent machines are poised to take the world by storm. In this article, we explore the latest developments in the field, focusing on 1X Technologies AS and its NEO Beta prototype. Set to be deployed in pilot homes later this year, NEO Beta is a significant milestone in the journey towards human-like robotics.
1X Unveils NEO Beta: Preparing for Home Pilots
When will humanoid robots be ready for household chores? While many robotics experts take a long view on the topic, 1X Technologies AS today unveiled the NEO Beta prototype of its humanoid as it prepares for pilot deployments in select homes later this year.
The company has been working on humanoids for more than a decade and has been an innovator since the introduction of the EVE robot, a predecessor to NEO, in 2017. Earlier this year, 1X then added members with corporate experience to its leadership as it readies for larger-scale deployments.
NEO Beta marks a move by 1X to expand from commercial settings to consumer use. It builds on EVE’s skillset for manipulating objects and years of experience, said the company.
1X employs more than a dozen full-time operators to help its robots learn and refine various tasks. The company is designing NEO for mass production in its factory in Moss, Norway. It also has offices in Sunnyvale, Calif.; Irving, Texas; and Oslo, Norway.
Safety First for Humanoid Developers
Humanoid robots operating around trained personnel in warehouses or factories is one thing; putting them in homes around consumers, children, and pets is another. While standards groups are working on safety guidelines, developers such as 1X are keeping product safety in mind.
"Our priority is safety," said Bernt Børnich, CEO of 1X. "Safety is the cornerstone that allows us to confidently introduce NEO Beta into homes, where it will gather essential feedback and demonstrate its capabilities in real-world settings."
"This year, we are deploying a limited number of NEO units in selected homes for research and development purposes," he explained. "Doing so means we are taking another step toward achieving our mission."
1X Designs NEO Beta for Consumer Use
According to 1X Technologies, NEO was designed from the ground up to be a consumer robot. To support that goal, the robot will weigh considerably less than its competitors at 25 kg (66 lb.), it said. The Beta prototype is a bit heavier.
By comparison, Tesla Optimus GEN2 weighs 57 kg (152 lb.), Figure 02 weighs 70 kg (187 lb.), and the Unitree G1 weighs 35 kg (94 lb.).
Funding and Pricing in Progress
Funding has been flowing to humanoid robotics developers, with startups raising more than $4.2 billion in financing through June, reported Crunchbase. A top example is Figure AI, which raised $675 million and was valued at $2.6 billion in February.
However, the utility and affordability of such robots has yet to be proven.
In January, 1X Technologies raised a $100 million Series B to begin its next phase of expansion and growth. There is no word yet from the company on the street price for NEO.
Conclusion
The future of humanoid robots looks bright, with 1X Technologies leading the charge. As the company prepares to deploy its NEO Beta prototype in pilot homes later this year, the world waits with bated breath to see the impact it will have on our daily lives.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the NEO Beta prototype?
The NEO Beta prototype is the latest humanoid robot developed by 1X Technologies. Designed for consumer use, it is set to be deployed in pilot homes later this year.
What makes NEO Beta unique?
NEO Beta is designed from the ground up to be a consumer robot, weighing significantly less than its competitors and featuring a soft, cushioned exterior to reduce the risk of injury.
What is the status of funding for humanoid robotics startups?
Humanoid robotics startups have raised more than $4.2 billion in financing through June, with figures like Figure AI raising significant amounts to further develop their technologies.
When will Tesla’s Optimus be available for consumers?
Tesla’s Elon Musk has repeatedly stated that Optimus will eventually be available for under $20,000, but no timeline has been given for its release to the consumer market.
What is the role of 1X Technologies in the development of humanoid robots?
1X Technologies is a leading developer of humanoid robots, with its NEO Beta prototype set to be deployed in pilot homes later this year. The company has been working on humanoids for more than a decade and has been an innovator in the field since the introduction of the EVE robot in 2017.
What is the goal of deploying humanoid robots in pilot homes?
The goal of deploying humanoid robots in pilot homes is to gather essential feedback and demonstrate their capabilities in real-world settings, ensuring the safety and effectiveness of these intelligent machines.
What is the expected timeline for mass production of humanoid robots?
1X Technologies plans to design NEO for mass production in its factory in Moss, Norway, but no timeline has been given for its release to the consumer market.
