OpenAI-Backed 1X Neo Robot Begins Pre-Sales at $20K
OpenAI-Backed Humanoid Robot Enters Pre-Sale Phase
Norwegian robotics company 1X, backed by the OpenAI Startup Fund, has officially opened global pre-orders for its Neo humanoid home assistant. Priced at $20,000 with a $499/month subscription option, the 1.68-meter-tall, 30kg robot represents a significant step toward consumer-grade household robotics.
Hybrid Intelligence: AI Meets Human Oversight
The Neo robot boasts basic household capabilities including:
- Dishwashing and kitchen organization
- Plant care and watering
- General tidying tasks
Users control Neo through voice commands or a mobile app, with 4 hours of continuous operation per charge. However, the system acknowledges current AI limitations - when facing unfamiliar scenarios, Neo switches to "Expert Mode." This innovative solution connects the robot to remote human operators who:
- Access the situation via VR headsets after user authorization
- Take temporary control to complete complex tasks
- Provide real-time problem resolution
Privacy Protections Address Surveillance Concerns
The remote assistance feature prompted privacy questions, leading 1X to implement:
- AI-powered face blurring in all operator video feeds
- User-defined restricted zones (e.g., bedrooms)
- Mandatory authorization logs showing all remote access instances The company emphasizes all data remains encrypted locally and isn't used for AI training.
Commercialization of Home Robotics Advances
The March 2025 $23.5 million Series A2 funding round, led by OpenAI's investment arm, signals confidence in Neo's potential. Delivery timelines include:
- US households: Mid-2026
- Global expansion: 2027 onward While costly compared to traditional appliances, Neo's price point undercuts research robots by orders of magnitude.
Key Points:
- First commercially available humanoid home assistant enters pre-sales
- Combines autonomous operation with human backup via "Expert Mode"
- Implements multi-layer privacy protections including AI blurring
- Backed by OpenAI's investment fund as embodied AI case study
- Targets wealthy early adopters before potential price reductions