Robots are becoming more humanlike, but not in the way sci-fi movies imagined. Instead of clunky metal frames with blinking lights, the latest generation of humanoid robots is designed to blend seamlessly into everyday life. Enter Neo, the newest creation from 1X, a robotics company backed by OpenAI. Unlike the traditional metallic robots we’ve seen in factories, Neo comes wrapped in a soft, knitted suit—one that’s 3D-printed using high-tech Japanese Shima Seiki knitting machines. It’s quiet, about as loud as a refrigerator, and built to handle everyday household tasks, from making coffee to doing laundry.
A Robot That Feels At Home
1X recently released a 37-second video showcasing Neo in action. The video has a cozy, Wes Anderson-esque vibe, featuring a couple enjoying their evening while Neo quietly prepares coffee in the background. The scene raises an interesting question: How should we treat robots that look and act more human? If you’ve ever felt attached to your Roomba or given your dishwasher a name, you might already understand this connection.
How Does Neo Work?
At its core, Neo is powered by advanced AI, including reinforcement learning and neural networks. Here’s a breakdown of what makes it so special:
- Natural Movement: Using reinforcement learning at 100 Hz, Neo learns from real human motion capture data to walk, squat, and sit in a humanlike manner. This helps it navigate unpredictable home environments, like avoiding a sleeping pet or stepping over a child’s toy.
- Smart Gripping: Thanks to a visual manipulation model, Neo can pick up objects—even ones it has never seen before—by analyzing raw sensor data.
- Conversational AI: With a built-in large language model (similar to ChatGPT), Neo can understand and respond to voice commands naturally. It even uses body language, like nodding or gesturing, to communicate.
- Safe and Quiet: Unlike industrial robots with exposed metal joints, Neo features soft jointed actuators and a knitted exterior, making it safer around kids and pets. It’s also 10 dB quieter than its predecessor, making it home-friendly.
Statistics and Capabilities
- Weight and Height: Neo weighs 66 pounds and stands 5.41 feet tall, significantly lighter than many industrial humanoid robots.
- Speed: It can walk at 2.5 mph and run at 7.5 mph.
- Carrying Capacity: Neo can carry up to 44 pounds.
- Battery Life: It operates for two to four hours on a single charge.
- Safety Features: Neo’s soft exterior and actuators reduce the risk of injury, making it safer for home use.
The Future of Household Robots
The vision for Neo goes beyond simple tasks. 1X wants robots to integrate seamlessly into homes, helping with real-world challenges like assisting elderly family members, opening doors, or carrying groceries. The company is currently testing Neo in home environments to refine its capabilities.
Challenges Ahead
While Neo is an exciting step forward, we’re not quite at the stage where you can order one on Amazon. Some key hurdles remain:
- Reliability: 1X claims a tenfold improvement in hardware reliability over previous models, but real-world use will be the true test.
- Cost: Advanced robotics aren’t cheap, and affordability will be crucial for widespread adoption.
- Ethical Considerations: As robots become more humanlike, should we treat them with empathy? The video hints at this idea, showing Neo sitting alone while the couple enjoys their evening. It’s a subtle but thought-provoking moment.
A Glimpse Into the AI-Powered Future
1X is part of a growing movement toward “embodied intelligence,” where AI moves beyond screens and becomes physically present in our world. OpenAI’s investment in 1X suggests that the next evolution of AI isn’t just chatbots—it’s robots that can assist in real life.
We may not be at Jetsons-level home automation yet, but Neo brings us a step closer. Would you invite this knit-suited robot into your home? Or should we hold off on hugging our robots until we know they won’t resent doing our chores? The conversation is just getting started.