Meet NEO: The $20,000 humanoid robot that can do your chores, but at a privacy cost

A new era of home robotics has arrived with 1X Technologies’ NEO, a humanoid robot designed to perform household chores, engage in conversation, and evolve over time through artificial intelligence. The Palo Alto-based robotics company describes NEO as the world’s first consumer-ready humanoid robot, aiming to bring a science-fiction dream to everyday reality.

Built to help users save time and energy, NEO represents a breakthrough in AI-driven home assistance. It blends intuitive technology with a human-like form that’s approachable and functional. However, its innovative “expert mode” feature introduces potential privacy trade-offs, making it both fascinating and controversial in equal measure.

A Robot That Does It All

Standing 5 feet, 6 inches tall and weighing just 66 pounds, NEO is engineered to tackle real-world tasks around the house. The robot can water plants, load and unload the dishwasher, tidy up rooms, and even fold laundry. It’s operated through a mobile app or voice commands, allowing users to give instructions from anywhere in the home.

Beyond convenience, NEO offers extended usability with up to four hours of battery life and can carry items weighing up to 55 pounds. This makes it suitable for repetitive household duties, giving users more time to focus on leisure, work, or family. Its versatile design bridges the gap between smart home gadgets and physical labor automation.

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Intelligent and Personal

At the core of NEO’s design is a built-in large language model (LLM) that allows for seamless conversation and contextual understanding. The robot can recognize when it’s being addressed, respond naturally, and even suggest recipes after recognizing ingredients on a counter. Its audio and visual intelligence ensures that interactions feel organic rather than mechanical.

Over time, NEO develops personalized intelligence through memory and adaptive learning. It can recall previous conversations, remember preferences, and adjust to user habits, whether that’s managing grocery lists or reminding owners about appointments. This combination of dialogue and memory transforms NEO from a simple robot into a personal digital companion.

The Expert Mode Dilemma

For tasks outside its training, NEO switches to “expert mode,” where a remote 1X Technologies employee can supervise or guide it in real time using a VR headset. This setup helps the robot complete complex chores it hasn’t yet mastered, ensuring effectiveness even in unpredictable home environments.

However, this human-in-the-loop model comes with a privacy catch. When in expert mode, the operator can see what NEO sees, meaning your living room could be visible to someone across the country. CEO Bernt Børnich acknowledges this concern, describing it as a “social contract” between the company and customers to improve the robot’s AI through shared data.

Built for Safety and Comfort

NEO’s physical design is powered by 1X’s patented Tendon Drive system, which gives it smooth, human-like motion. Its 3D lattice polymer body and soft materials make it safe around children and pets. The robot is remarkably quiet, operating at only 22 decibels, quieter than a refrigerator, ensuring it blends peacefully into household settings.

It’s also connected through WiFi, Bluetooth, and 5G, with a three-stage speaker system built into its torso for audio alerts and entertainment. Visually, NEO’s minimalist style, with neutral tones and a soft knit outfit, helps it complement modern interiors rather than stand out like an industrial machine.

Price and Availability

1X Technologies has opened preorders for NEO at $20,000, offering a subscription model at $499 per month for those who prefer flexible ownership. Early buyers are promised priority delivery in 2026, with a global rollout to follow in 2027.

The humanoid robot will be available in Tan, Gray, and Dark Brown, appealing to aesthetic-conscious homeowners. Each purchase represents not just a functional device, but a step toward the mainstream adoption of AI-powered domestic robotics.

The Future of Home Robotics

NEO signals the beginning of a new chapter in AI-assisted living, where robots evolve from prototypes and factories into the heart of family homes. While privacy debates continue, the potential to offload mundane chores could redefine how humans manage their daily lives.

Still, experts warn that cost, autonomy, and privacy will determine whether consumers widely accept humanoid robots. Yet with NEO, 1X Technologies has set the stage for a future where asking a robot for help isn’t science fiction, it’s simply part of home life.

FAQs

What is the NEO robot?

NEO is a humanoid home robot created by 1X Technologies that performs household chores, engages in conversation, and learns through artificial intelligence.

How much does NEO cost?

It’s priced at $20,000 for purchase or $499 per month on subscription.

When will NEO be available?

Shipments begin in 2026 for U.S. customers, followed by international markets in 2027.

Can NEO operate independently?

Yes, NEO can perform routine chores autonomously, but uses expert mode for complex or unfamiliar tasks requiring remote human supervision.

Does the NEO robot pose privacy risks?

Potentially. In expert mode, a remote 1X employee can view the robot’s environment, which raises privacy and data-sharing concerns.

What makes NEO unique?

It’s the first consumer-ready humanoid robot capable of learning, adapting, and safely operating in domestic environments.

Where can I buy the NEO Robot?

Preorders are available through 1X’s official website (1x.tech) in Tan, Gray, and Dark Brown color options.