What to know about NEO, the humanoid robot that’ll do your chores
“Neo is a humanoid companion designed to transform your life at home,” said Dar Sleeper, 1X’s VP of product and design.
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Robots may be one of the greatest 21st-century inventions, but up until Oct. 28, you couldn’t purchase one to help out with daily household tasks, such as emptying the dishwasher or vacuuming your home.
Enter NEO, a humanoid robot created by 1X, an artificial intelligence and robotics company based in Palo Alto, California. The robot became available for preorder on Oct. 28 for $20,000 for those who want to own it, and $499 per month for anyone who wants to try it out through 1X’s subscription option.
In a YouTube video released by 1X, NEO is seen taking out the trash, watering plants and 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, 1X’s VP of product and design.
NEO specifications
NEO is made of “tendon-driven actuators,” so it’s quiet and lightweight, according to 1X. The robot is also made of 3D Lattice Polymer, weighs 66 pounds and stands at 5 feet, 6 inches tall. NEO operates using Nvidia technology, has a four-hour battery life, can carry up to 55 pounds and lift to 154 pounds. Additionally, the robot is equipped with four microphones, three speakers and fish-eye cameras for vision.
The robot also comes with a machine-washable knit suit and customizable shoes.
How to use NEO?
While NEO will eventually become fully autonomous, there may be a slight learning curve.
Still, NEO is currently able to complete basic household tasks. Owners can schedule times for the robot to complete chores by either speaking to it or using the NEO app. The robot will be delivered to homes in a box. Once it arrives, users can open the box and turn NEO on using the power button to get started.
The robot has a set of modes, including chores, companion and autonomy.
The robot already knows how to perform a plethora of tasks, such as laundry and cleaning. If there is a chore the robot does not know how to do, owners can schedule a session with a 1X expert. The expert will conduct a supervised session to teach the robot how to complete the task.
NEO’s companion feature allows the robot to operate as an artificial intelligence assistant. It can see, hear and remember things about your environment to provide you with helpful assistance, according to 1X.
NEO can also suggest what to cook by observing the contents of your refrigerator, can teach you a new language, and tell you where you last left your keys. Yet, the robot’s current cooking capabilities are limited, 1X notes.
The autonomy feature comes with Redwood AI, a vision-language transform that’s tailored for the humanoid form factor. The AI helps NEO complete basic household tasks autonomously and on command, such as opening the door or taking groceries into the home.
The robot’s autonomy will progress as it completes tasks and gains experience, according to 1X. Eventually, the robot will become fully autonomous, but it may take time to reach that point as it continues to learn.
NEO also comes with self-charging capabilities. Also, while NEO’s hands are waterproof, the overall robot is not. Contact with moisture can damage NEO; therefore, outdoor climates should be considered when users want to use the robot outside.
How much does a NEO cost?
NEO can be preordered on 1X’s website for $20,000 or $499 a month for subscribers. Purchasing the robot requires a $200 deposit. NEO comes in blue, beige or black. The robots are expected to be delivered in 2026. The $20,000 price tag comes with priority delivery, premium support, and ownership with a three-year warranty, according to 1X’s website.
Based on standard electricity rates, the company expects the robot to cost under $1 to operate.
What other humanoid robots are being created?
According to 1X, it is also in the process of creating industrial robots that can be deployed in factories. Other companies creating humanoid robots include Tesla and Figure AI. However, NEO is the first one to become available to consumers.
Figure 03, Figure AI’s humanoid robot, was unveiled Oct. 9, but it’s not clear when consumers will be able to purchase the product.
Tesla’s Optimus was unveiled as a prototype in 2022, but it’s unclear when it will become available for sale. During the company’s recent earnings call in July, Tesla CEO Elon Musk said Optimus Version 3 could become available in early 2026.
For now, NEO is the only humanoid robot on the market ready to introduce itself to customers.
Michelle Del Rey is a trending news reporter at USA TODAY. Reach her at [email protected]
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