1X Technologies: Pioneering Humanoid Robotics Since 2017
1X Technologies’ journey began with the introduction of its EVE robot in 2017, which served as a precursor to NEO. Building on this legacy, 1X has continued to innovate, adding industry veterans to its leadership team earlier this year to steer the company toward large-scale deployments.
NEO Beta: Transitioning from Commercial to Consumer Robotics
The launch of NEO Beta represents a significant milestone for 1X Technologies, marking the company’s transition from commercial robotics to consumer applications. According to 1X, NEO Beta builds on EVE’s advanced object manipulation skills and incorporates years of research and development to create a robot tailored for household use.
Optimized Design for Home Use: NEO Beta’s Lightweight and Safety Features
NEO Beta is designed specifically for consumer use and is engineered to be lighter and safer than its competitors. Weighing in at 25 kg (66 lb.)—considerably less than other humanoid robots like Tesla Optimus GEN2 (57 kg), Figure 02 (70 kg), and Unitree G1 (35 kg)—NEO Beta is crafted with a soft exterior to minimize injury risks. Unlike many humanoid robots that feature rigid plastic or metal exteriors, NEO Beta is encased in a cushioned jumpsuit designed to protect both the robot and its human counterparts.
Safety is a top priority for 1X Technologies, with NEO Beta designed to avoid accidents and eliminate pinch points that could harm users. This thoughtful design underscores 1X’s commitment to making NEO Beta not only functional but also safe for everyday household interactions.
Scaling Up: 1X Technologies Prepares for Mass Production
1X Technologies is gearing up for mass production of NEO Beta at its factory in Moss, Norway, with additional offices in Sunnyvale, California, Irving, Texas, and Oslo, Norway. The company employs over a dozen full-time operators dedicated to refining NEO Beta’s capabilities, ensuring it is ready for widespread consumer adoption.
Funding and Market Outlook: The Race to Affordable Humanoid Robots
The market for humanoid robots is heating up, with significant investments flowing into the sector. Startups have raised over $4.2 billion in funding through June 2024, according to Crunchbase. Figure AI, for example, secured $675 million in funding and reached a valuation of $2.6 billion earlier this year.
In January, 1X Technologies raised a $100 million Series B round to support its next phase of expansion, but the company has yet to announce pricing for NEO Beta. Competitors like Tesla and Unitree have hinted at pricing, with Tesla’s Optimus projected to be under $20,000 and Unitree’s G1 priced at around $16,000.
A Step Closer to Household Robots
As 1X Technologies prepares to deploy NEO Beta in-home pilot programs, the company is attempting to position itself at the forefront of the consumer humanoid robot market. With a focus on safety, affordability, and functionality, 1X is making strides toward bringing humanoid robots into everyday homes.
