1x Robotics to Test Humanoid Robots in Homes - 2025

1X Robotics to Initiate In-Home Testing of Neo Gamma Humanoid Robot

According to Bernt Børnich, CEO of Norwegian robotics company 1X, initial trials involving their humanoid robot, Neo Gamma, are scheduled to commence in “several hundred to a few thousand” households by the close of 2025.

Early Adopter Program and Development Goals

Børnich communicated to TechCrunch during an interview at Nvidia GTC 2025 that the intention is to invite pioneering users this year to contribute to the system’s development. The goal is for Neo Gamma to integrate and learn within real-world environments, necessitating its placement in homes where it can be guided in appropriate behavior.

Growing Interest in Humanoid Robotics

Recent months have witnessed a surge in enthusiasm surrounding the potential of humanoid robots for domestic applications.

Competition and Investment in the Field

Figure, a competitor based in the Bay Area and known for its active social media engagement, announced in February plans to initiate in-home testing of its own humanoid robots in 2025. Subsequent reports from Bloomberg indicated that Figure was pursuing a $1.5 billion funding round, potentially reaching a valuation of $40 billion. Furthermore, OpenAI – an investor in 1X – is reportedly investigating the development of its own humanoid robotic systems.

Challenges and Risks of In-Home Robotics

Introducing sophisticated robots into residential settings elevates the challenges for this emerging industry. The situation parallels the deployment of autonomous vehicles, where unforeseen issues can arise rapidly.

Neo Gamma's Current Capabilities and Limitations

Børnich acknowledges that Neo Gamma is still distant from achieving full commercial scalability and complete autonomy.

Although Neo Gamma utilizes AI for locomotion and balance, it currently lacks fully independent movement capabilities. To facilitate in-home testing, 1X is employing a “bootstrapping” approach, relying on remote human operators who can access Neo Gamma’s camera and sensor feeds in real-time and control its movements.

Data Collection and AI Training

These in-home trials will enable 1X to gather valuable data regarding Neo Gamma’s performance in a domestic environment. The contributions of early adopters will generate a substantial dataset that can be utilized to train the company’s internal AI models and enhance the robot’s functionalities.

AI Development Strategy

Despite backing from OpenAI, Børnich states that 1X currently develops its core AI technology internally. The company also engages in collaborative AI model training with partners, including OpenAI and Nvidia, on occasion.

Privacy Considerations

The collection of data from microphones and cameras within homes, and subsequent AI model training, naturally raises privacy concerns. A company spokesperson informed TechCrunch that customers will have control over when 1X personnel can access Neo Gamma’s surroundings, whether for auditing or remote operation.

Neo Gamma Prototype and Improvements

Unveiled in February, Neo Gamma represents 1X’s first bipedal robot prototype intended for testing outside of the laboratory. In comparison to its predecessor, Neo Beta, Neo Gamma incorporates an enhanced onboard AI model and a knitted nylon exterior designed to minimize the risk of injury during human-robot interaction.

Demonstration and Performance

During a demonstration at GTC, 1X showcased Neo Gamma’s ability to perform basic tasks within a living room setting, with partial assistance from a human operator. The robot successfully vacuumed, watered plants, and navigated the room without collisions. However, the demonstration was not without issues; the robot experienced shaking and ultimately collapsed into Børnich’s arms, attributed by a 1X employee to Wi-Fi connectivity problems and low battery levels.

Future Plans and Program Details

Similar to Figure’s plans, specific details regarding 1X’s early adopter program remain unclear. 1X has not yet disclosed its market entry strategy for Neo Gamma, although a waitlist is available on its website. The practicality of utilizing Neo Gamma in a home setting without remote operation is also uncertain, with a spokesperson promising a “more detailed explanation” at a later date.

While a limited number of individuals may have the opportunity to test an early, human-assisted version of Neo Gamma this year, fully autonomous humanoid robots readily available for purchase appear to be several years away.