1X Technologies, a pioneer in humanoid robotics, has introduced NEO Beta, a bipedal humanoid robot designed specifically for consumer use in homes. The announcement, made on August 30, 2024, marks a significant milestone for the Norway-based company as it transitions from development to real-world applications of its humanoid technology.
NEO Beta represents 1X's latest advancement in humanoid robotics, building on the company’s decade-long experience in the field. Unlike traditional robots, NEO Beta is designed with bio-inspired elements, allowing it to operate safely alongside humans. This emphasis on safety is crucial as the company prepares to deploy a limited number of NEO units in selected homes later this year for research and development purposes.
"Our priority is safety," said Bernt Børnich, CEO of 1X Technologies. "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. Doing so means we are taking another step toward achieving our mission."
1X has been a key player in the humanoid robotics space, known for its earlier work on the EVE robot, which laid the foundation for NEO. Unlike EVE, NEO Beta is fully bipedal, enabling it to perform a wider range of tasks that are typically associated with human-like movement and dexterity.
Designed for mass production at 1X's factory in Moss, Norway, NEO Beta weighs in at 25 kg (66 lbs), making it considerably lighter than many of its competitors. For comparison, Tesla’s Optimus GEN2 weighs 57 kg (152 lbs) and Figure AI’s Figure 02 comes in at 70 kg (187 lbs). The lighter weight and soft exterior, which includes cushioned inserts where human muscles might be, are part of 1X’s focus on safety. These design choices aim to reduce the risk of injury in the event of an accident, a critical consideration as humanoid robots begin to enter consumer spaces.
The NEO Beta is not just lighter but also features a unique design with no pinch points, further minimizing the risk of harm during interaction with humans. This level of attention to safety is in line with ongoing efforts by standards groups like IEEE, which are working on developing safety regulations for humanoid robots—a process expected to take several years to complete .
The introduction of NEO Beta comes at a time when the humanoid robotics industry is seeing a surge in investment. According to Crunchbase, startups in the sector raised over $4.2 billion in financing through June 2024. In January, 1X Technologies itself secured a $100 million Series B round to fuel its expansion, although the company has yet to announce pricing for NEO Beta .
As 1X moves forward with its mission to bring humanoid robots into everyday life, the deployment of NEO Beta in consumer homes will provide valuable insights into its real-world applications and potential. With the broader industry watching closely, 1X's approach to safety and usability could set new standards in the rapidly evolving field of humanoid robotics.
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