1X Technologies Prepares to Ship Neo Robots to U.S. Homes

What Happened

Silicon Valley's 1X Technologies is on the cusp of a pioneering moment in domestic robotics, as it prepares to launch its Neo humanoid robots into American homes this year. Founded in Norway by Bernt Børnich in 2014, the company has evolved from producing industrial robots to crafting Neo, a humanoid designed to seamlessly integrate into home environments. The Neo robot, standing at five-foot-six, is wrapped in a 3D-knitted bodysuit, aiming to look less like a machine and more like a piece of home furniture.

The design team, led by Dar Sleeper, who brings experience from Tesla and Yeezy, has worked to ensure that Neo is approachable and non-intimidating. The team has meticulously crafted every aspect of Neo, from its gender-neutral form to its soft color palette, which includes shades like soft taupe and muted brown, designed to blend into any home setting. The company even considered the robot's