A robotics company specialising in artificial intelligence has launched pre-orders for a humanoid robot designed specifically for household tasks, marking an ambitious attempt to bring such technology from industrial settings into private homes.

1X Technologies, an American-Norwegian firm, introduced NEO—a home assistant robot weighing 30 kilograms that can lift over 68 kilograms and carry up to 25 kilograms. The company positions the device as suitable for various domestic environments.

The robot features a neutral aesthetic with soft knit covering and customisable shoes available in tan, grey and dark brown shades. 1X Technologies describes the design as "approachable and comfortable to be around," contrasting with the utilitarian appearance of many industrial robots.

NEO operates at 22 decibels—quieter than modern refrigerators, according to the manufacturer. Its construction includes 22-degree-of-freedom hands and a soft polymer body built with three-dimensional lattice structures. The robot employs 1X's patented Tendon Drive actuator system, designed for gentle motion around humans.

Connectivity options include WiFi, Bluetooth and 5G, whilst a three-stage speaker system in the chest and pelvis enables the device to function as home entertainment equipment. A built-in large language model powers conversational interaction, with audio intelligence designed to recognise when being addressed.

Visual intelligence provides contextual awareness—the robot can identify ingredients on kitchen worktops and suggest recipes, for instance. Memory functionality allows it to recall previous interactions and personalise assistance over time.

Users can automate household chores through scheduling and real-time task execution via verbal or button commands. The company offers services allowing owners to hire "1X Experts" to train the robot on new or custom tasks.

Founded originally as Halodi Robotics by chief executive Bernt Børnich before rebranding in 2022, 1X Technologies states its mission as creating "a truly abundant society through general-purpose robots capable of performing any kind of work autonomously."

NEO is currently accepting pre-orders, with consumer deliveries beginning in 2026 across the United States. The company plans expansion to additional markets in 2027. Early access units with priority delivery cost $20,000 (£15,700), whilst a $499 monthly subscription model is also available.

The launch represents an attempt to transition humanoid robots from laboratories and factories into domestic settings. Whilst home environments may present greater challenges—particularly regarding human safety—potential benefits include time savings and automation of mundane tasks.

However, reports suggest NEO's autonomy remains limited, with some units reportedly being tele-operated by human staff. This indicates initial models may function more as remote-controlled helpers rather than fully autonomous assistants.

Mass adoption faces considerable hurdles including high pricing, safety concerns, reliability questions, power management challenges, learning robustness and regulatory acceptance. The £15,700 price point places NEO well beyond most consumers' budgets, whilst regulatory frameworks for domestic robots remain underdeveloped in most jurisdictions.

Safety represents perhaps the most critical consideration. A 30-kilogram robot capable of lifting 68 kilograms operating autonomously around children, elderly individuals or pets introduces risks that industrial environments can more easily control through restricted access and trained operators.

Power management also poses practical challenges. Battery life, charging requirements and what happens when power depletes during task execution remain questions potential buyers will need answers to before committing substantial funds.

Nevertheless, industry observers believe the humanoid and service robotics sector could reach hundreds of billions of dollars in value over the next decade as technology matures and costs decline. Whether 1X Technologies' consumer-focused approach accelerates this timeline or proves premature remains to be seen.

The company's willingness to offer human-operated training services suggests recognition that fully autonomous domestic robots remain technically challenging. This hybrid approach—combining autonomous capabilities with human oversight and training—may represent a pragmatic path toward eventually self-sufficient systems.