The 1X Neo Home Robot, an advanced AI-powered humanoid assistant, is now available for pre-order at a premium price point, highlighting the significant investment required for cutting-edge household automation expected to ship in 2026.
The California-based company offers Neo for a one-time payment of $20,000, or a monthly subscription of $499, positioning it as a high-end appliance for early adopters.
Designed to perform various domestic tasks, Neo is promoted as capable of cleaning, doing laundry, loading dishwashers, and interacting conversationally through its proprietary Redwood AI.
Despite its capabilities, the robot has specific limitations. It cannot perform outdoor tasks like mowing lawns or cook meals currently, and its fabric body is not waterproof, though its rubber hands are.
Users are advised to “keep an eye on” the robot, particularly around children, pets, or vulnerable individuals. While safety is emphasized as central to its design, newer promotional videos show no human physical contact, contrasting with earlier displays of interaction.
Standing 5 feet 6 inches (168 cm) tall and weighing 66 pounds (30 kg), Neo features a soft, fabric-covered exterior with a gentle, mouthless face, marking an evolution from earlier prototypes. It wears sneakers and uses dual circular LED lights on its head to convey intent.
The robot operates with four microphones, three speakers, and Nvidia processing chips, running on the Redwood AI model. This vision-language transformer is specifically developed for humanoid tasks like picking up items and navigating a home.
While Neo is designed for autonomous operation and environmental analysis, routine tasks can be scheduled via a mobile app. Additionally, 1X offers remote human assistance to “teach” the robot new functions.
The robot connects via 5G or Wi-Fi, with Wi-Fi recommended, and boasts a battery life of approximately four hours per charge.