1X, a robotics startup based in Palo Alto, has developed a humanoid robot named NEO that has the potential to one day assist with household tasks autonomously. Currently, NEO relies on human operators wearing Quest 3 headsets to guide and teach its neural network through real-world experiences. Latest Developments Despite its 66-pound frame and charming sweater, NEO still requires human intervention to perform tasks such as loading a dishwasher, fetching a bottle of water, or cleaning the kitchen counter. Operators wearing VR headsets can teleoperate NEO in 'Expert Mode' during scheduled intervals, allowing them to tackle more challenging tasks. Image courtesy The Wall Street Journal While NEO can handle various household chores, it has limitations in lifting heavy or hot objects, as mentioned by 1X CEO and Founder Bernt Børnic. Privacy concerns are addressed by allowing users to restrict NEO's access to specific areas and potentially blur out humans in its view, with privacy settings being customizable based on user preferences. Børnic emphasizes the importance of data collection for enhancing NEO's functionality, stating that user data plays a crucial role in product improvement. He compares the company's approach to a \"big sister\" principle, where user data enables NEO to become more efficient in assisting users according to their preferences. During a demonstration with The Wall Street Journal, NEO was not operating autonomously. However, Børnic assures that once NEO is commercially available next year, it will perform most household tasks autonomously, with performance quality expected to improve rapidly with accumulated data. Interested consumers can reserve NEO by paying a $200 refundable fee, with the robot coming in three color options: grey, taupe, and black. NEO is set to launch in the US in 2026, priced at $20,000 for outright ownership or a $500 monthly subscription. Personal Insights Considering the cost of hiring daily maid services, investing in NEO at $20,000 presents an intriguing value proposition for households. With no employment contracts or insurance policies to manage, NEO offers convenience with its four-hour battery life and potential to streamline household tasks. Image courtesy 1X However, based on the demonstration by The Wall Street Journal, NEO's performance as a maid replacement is still questionable. Even with human guidance, NEO struggles to outperform a human in basic tasks without the added expense of a robotic body. Speed may not be a significant concern since tasks can be scheduled during absence. Teleoperating NEO through VR headsets currently serves as a temporary solution, with limitations in proprioception and potential latency affecting task execution. Despite these challenges, the focus remains on task completion rather than the method used, whether through a neural network or human operator. As NEO evolves, concerns arise regarding its ability to handle unexpected situations, such as spills or accidents, which may require human intervention. The practicality of NEO as a household assistant will become clearer as more scenarios are tested and refined. Looking beyond its role as a domestic helper, NEO's potential for remote monitoring and connectivity offers additional value. Enabling users to check on their homes or pets remotely using a Quest 3 headset could enhance NEO's utility beyond household chores, presenting an opportunity for 1X to explore new applications for the robot.
