Imagine a future where a robot handles all your household chores. Sounds amazing, right? But what if that robot can't even crack a walnut? That's the current reality with the 1X Neo, a humanoid home robot now available for pre-order, and recent tests are revealing some surprising limitations.
The 1X Neo, unveiled in 2024, is vying to be your personal robotic helper. Think of it as a competitor to other ambitious projects like the Figure 03 robot, known for its sensitive tactile palms and wireless charging, and even Tesla's Optimus bot. You can now pre-order it if you're based in the US (check out this link: https://www.notebookcheck.net/1X-opens-pre-orders-for-20-000-NEO-humanoid-home-robot.1149203.0.html). But given the very public stumbles of other humanoid robots – remember the Russian robot that literally fell on its face during a presentation? (https://www.notebookcheck.net/Russia-s-flagship-humanoid-robot-stumbles-and-falls-during-its-live-debut.1161465.0.html) – it's wise to approach these claims with a healthy dose of skepticism.
A recent test by Joanna Stern of the Wall Street Journal, with 1X developer Bernt Børnich on hand, put the Neo through its paces. The robot is supposed to be able to wash dishes, clean the kitchen, and even do laundry. But here's where it gets controversial...can it actually do these things effectively?
When we talk about robots in our homes, safety is paramount. Unlike industrial robots, which are often caged off in factories, the Neo sports a fabric covering, almost like clothing. This not only makes it more aesthetically pleasing (less Terminator, more…friendly butler?) but also provides an extra layer of protection.
Instead of using traditional gears, Neo utilizes lightweight motors powered by belts, mimicking the way human muscles work. This design choice results in quieter and smoother movements. Plus, it helps keep the robot's weight down to a manageable 66 pounds (30 kg), which is reassuring if it ever takes a tumble. Despite its relatively light weight, it boasts an impressive lifting capacity of up to 150 pounds (68 kilograms).
Now, for the big question: Is the 1X Neo a revolutionary robot or just an expensive toy?
The Wall Street Journal's test revealed a crucial detail: the Neo couldn't crack a walnut by hand (https://www.wsj.com/video/series/joanna-stern-personal-technology/i-tried-the-first-humanoid-home-robot-it-was-wild/85C77D7F-5E71-43F1-A18A-936BA8814165?gaaat=eafs&gaan=AWEtsqfZBj12kaWcrmE-L9kGRbe1ywd9Tj3fWbIb5wtR0DvyWcm3CdDBuPdd&gaats=6918d161&gaasig=R8v3IURNwf7pM6UzEubUljek3VYtNN3HZYJO_FB7zUiBKjh03xSImtgtcAsxPOtX0NGgejE9-h3EclmXA4ZHxA%3D%3D). But this is apparently by design! The focus is on finesse and sensitivity, not brute strength. Think delicate tasks, not demolition. And this is the part most people miss...it's the first model. There's plenty of room for improvement.
Even a simple task like retrieving a bottle of water from the refrigerator took a minute and seven seconds. The biggest hurdle? Opening the fridge door itself. However, it seems to excel at vacuuming. The tests also covered things like loading a dishwasher, which can be a surprisingly complex task for a robot!
Here's another crucial point: the tested model wasn't fully autonomous. It was controlled remotely by an AI operator. 1X calls this "expert mode," where a human can step in and take over tasks the robot struggles with. The model slated for release in 2026 promises greater dexterity, autonomy, and safety. So, for now, the Neo is more like a child needing guidance than a fully independent household helper.
To train the AI, the robot sends visual and audio data from your home to 1X's servers. They promise to pixelate faces and let you know when an operator is actively controlling the robot. But for some, this raises serious data privacy concerns.
The ultimate goal is for Neo to learn from real-world experiences in private homes. The developers hope that in about five years, it will evolve into a truly capable assistant.
Currently, pre-orders are only available in the US, requiring a $200 deposit. You can choose between a one-time payment of $20,000 or a monthly subscription of $499. Availability in Europe is anticipated by 2027.
Neo represents the very beginning of the humanoid home robot era. The developers envision it assisting with a wide range of household tasks, benefiting not just the average homeowner but also people with disabilities and the elderly.
So, what do you think? Are you ready to trust a robot with your chores, even if it can't crack a walnut? Are the privacy concerns worth the potential convenience? Would you pay $20,000 for a robot that needs constant supervision? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
