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Robotics has taken a step out of the lab and into living rooms with the introduction of NEO, a consumer-ready humanoid robot designed to help with everyday household chores. Developed by robotics firm 1X, NEO can fold laundry, organize rooms, and perform other domestic tasks, while gradually learning new skills over time.
At the core of NEO is its “chores” system, which allows users to assign, schedule, and monitor tasks through simple voice commands or a companion app. If a task is unfamiliar, the robot can learn from guidance provided by a 1X Expert, effectively improving its capabilities while completing the job.
NEO also incorporates advanced artificial intelligence, including a large language model (LLM) that enables natural conversation and contextual understanding without screens. Audio Intelligence ensures it only responds when addressed, while Visual Intelligence helps it identify objects and environments, such as spotting ingredients on a counter and suggesting recipes. Its built-in memory allows the robot to retain information like grocery lists, birthdays, or previous conversations, making it a learning companion as well as a household assistant.
According to Interesting Engineering, the robot’s hardware supports its AI-driven abilities. NEO features 1X’s patented Tendon Drive system with high-torque-density motors, allowing for smooth, lifelike movements that are safe around people. Despite weighing 30 kg, it can lift up to 70 kg and operates quietly at just 22 decibels, softer than a refrigerator. NEO also comes equipped with WiFi, Bluetooth, and 5G connectivity, as well as a built-in speaker system for entertainment.
Designed with a neutral, minimal aesthetic, NEO is intended to blend seamlessly into home environments. By combining flexible hardware, adaptive AI, and task-focused programming, NEO represents one of the first commercially available humanoid robots capable of meaningful home assistance—marking a shift from research prototypes to practical, everyday applications in domestic life.
