Humanoid robots may have long been a sci-fi dream, but they are now a step closer to reality with the launch of NEO, a first-of-its-kind household robot by 1X Technologies, a California-based artificial intelligence and robotics company.
The humanoid robot, unveiled on October 28, is the first robot designed for domestic use, capable of performing daily chores such as taking out the trash, watering plants, and vacuuming.
NEO can now be preordered for $20,000, or leased for $499 a month, making it the first humanoid robot available to consumers.
A humanoid companion for home
In a demonstration video released by 1X, NEO is shown performing household tasks with fluid movements, including carrying groceries, cleaning, and even dancing.
“NEO is a humanoid companion designed to transform your life at home. It combines AI and advanced hardware to help with daily chores and bring intelligence into your everyday life,” said Dar Sleeper, Vice President of Product and Design at 1X.
The robot, standing 5 feet 6 inches tall and weighing 66 pounds (about 30 kg), is constructed using tendon-driven actuators, which make it lightweight, quiet, and energy-efficient.
Technical specifications
According to the company, NEO is built from 3D Lattice Polymer and is powered by Nvidia technology. The robot can carry up to 55 pounds (25 kg) and lift objects weighing up to 154 pounds (70 kg).
It operates on a four-hour battery life and comes equipped with fish-eye cameras, four microphones, and three speakers to enable vision and communication.
The humanoid also includes a machine-washable knit suit and customisable shoes, blending futuristic design with household practicality.
Features and operation
NEO operates in three primary modes — Chores, Companion, and Autonomy.
Users can communicate with the robot using voice commands or the NEO mobile app, scheduling tasks such as vacuuming, laundry, or dishwashing.
If the robot encounters a task it has not been trained for, users can book a session with a 1X expert to teach it new actions under supervision.
In Companion Mode, NEO acts as a personal AI assistant — it can see, hear, and remember environmental details, suggesting recipes, helping locate misplaced items, or even teaching new languages.
Autonomy and artificial intelligence
NEO’s autonomous capabilities are powered by Redwood AI, a vision-language model tailored for humanoid robots. It allows NEO to complete tasks like opening doors or carrying groceries with minimal human input.
The company says the robot’s autonomy improves with experience. Over time, it will learn new tasks independently and become a fully self-operating household assistant.
However, while NEO’s hands are waterproof, the robot itself is not designed for wet or outdoor environments. It is also equipped with self-charging capabilities, allowing it to recharge without manual intervention.
Pricing and availability
Customers can preorder NEO through the company’s official website for $20,000, with a $200 deposit required to secure a unit.
Alternatively, users can subscribe for $499 per month.
The robot will be available in three colours — blue, beige, and black — and is expected to begin deliveries in 2026.
According to 1X, owning and operating NEO costs less than $1 per day, based on standard electricity rates.
Competition and future outlook
While Tesla and Figure AI are developing similar humanoid robots — Optimus and Figure 03 respectively — neither has announced a consumer launch date.
1X also confirmed it is working on industrial versions of NEO for factory and logistics use.
For now, NEO remains the only humanoid robot available for purchase by the public, signalling the dawn of a new era in AI-driven domestic assistance.