For the cost of a decent pre-owned Chevy Malibu, you might soon acquire a brand-new 5-foot-6-inch humanoid robot capable of folding your clothes. Robotics firm 1X announced is now accepting preorders for Neo, a robot it asserts is the “world’s first consumer-ready humanoid robot.”
TL;DR
- Neo, a $20,000 humanoid robot, can perform household chores like emptying dishwashers.
- The robot has a soft body, moves slowly, and lasts four hours on a single charge.
- Neo requires human assistance for complex tasks, often needing remote VR headset control.
- 1X is accepting preorders for Neo, positioning it as the first consumer-ready humanoid robot.
The lanky robot is available for purchase at $20,000 or for rent at $499 per month with a six-month contract, capable of performing basic household chores like emptying the dishwasher and tending to plants, while also responding to inquiries via its integrated large language model.
In contrast to those rigid, metallic military canines that constantly perform acrobatics, Neo possesses a pliable physique and exhibits a deliberate pace. This automaton is capable of transporting approximately 55 pounds and operates for a duration of four hours per charge.
Is Neo ready to become the Rosie of your family? Sometimes it malfunctions, requiring substantial human intervention. For instance, none of the actions Neo executed during a test run with a Wall Street Journal reporter were fully independent. To have Neo perform complex jobs such as bathroom cleaning or vacuuming, a human employee must use a VR headset to remotely control the robot's body and cameras for training purposes.
Neo is watching. While 1X asserts that safety measures are implemented to safeguard your privacy, a robot with a camera, capable of walking and speaking, will still be present within your home.—MM
This report was originally published by Morning Brew.