Norwegian company 1X Tech introduced NEO, the first humanoid robot designed specifically for household chores. He knows how to fold laundry, tidy up rooms, and learns new tasks over time by observing people and adopting their habits.

The Age of Home Robots

According to 1X founder Bernt Bernich, the launch of NEO marks the transition from science fiction to the real market.

“Previously, humanoid robots existed only in laboratories and films. Today you can order them home,” he says.

The creators call it NEO “the safest and most accessible” among all humanoids. The robot weighs about 30 kilograms, operates almost silently – at 22 decibels, which is quieter than a regular refrigerator – and can lift objects weighing up to 70 kilograms.

How NEO helps around the house

The main function of the system is called Chores — it allows you to assign and track household tasks. All it takes is a voice command or a couple of taps on the app for NEO to start cleaning, folding clothes, or organizing space.

If he is faced with a task for which he has not yet been trained, the owner can connect a specialist from 1X to remotely manage the process. During this time, NEO remembers actions and learns a new skill.

Talkative and observant

NEO has a built-in large language model – an analogue of the technology used in modern chatbots. Thanks to it, the robot can carry on a conversation and understand the context without a screen or keyboard. It listens only when spoken to, and built-in cameras and sensors allow it to recognize objects and situations.

For example, NEO is able to notice food on the kitchen table and suggest a recipe for dinner or remember that today is the owner’s birthday. His memory retains details of past conversations, shopping lists and preferences, gradually forming an individual communication style.

Brain and muscles

NEO is based on its own artificial intelligence model 1X, trained on real data from everyday conditions. It helps the robot operate in an unpredictable environment where a person, a pet, or an unexpected situation can always intervene.

The hardware also stands out. The robot uses a patented mechanism Tendon Drive with the most compact torque motors, which makes its movements smooth and safe for others.

NEO connects to Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and 5G, can turn lights on and off, open doors and fetch objects. Built-in speakers allow you to use it as a music system.

The company plans to begin shipping NEO in 2026. The model will be available in calm shades – beige, gray and dark brown. Sales will first start in the United States and then expand to other countries.

The creators are confident that NEO will become not just an assistant, but a full-fledged companion in the house. Its self–learning system allows it to adapt to the owner’s lifestyle and improve without external intervention.

“NEO bridges the distance between imagination and reality. This is the beginning of a new era, where a robot does not replace a person, but helps him to be freer,” Bernich said.