1x Robotics: Norway's Humanoid Robot for Home Use

1X Unveils Neo Gamma: A New Home Robot

Norwegian robotics company 1X introduced its newest humanoid robot, the Neo Gamma, on Friday. This system is designed as a successor to the Neo Beta, which was first presented in August.

Similar to previous models, the Neo Gamma remains a prototype intended for evaluation within a domestic setting.

Early Testing and Commercial Viability

1X anticipates the bipedal robot will soon move beyond laboratory testing, with limited trials conducted in actual homes. However, the company emphasizes that widespread commercial availability is still distant.

The Neo Gamma embodies a more approachable aesthetic within the humanoid robotics field, both in its design and materials.

Design and Safety Features

1X has prioritized a welcoming appearance for the robot, featuring a more amiable design and a protective covering constructed from knitted nylon. This material is specifically intended to minimize the risk of injury during interactions between the robot and humans.

The arrival of Neo Gamma occurs alongside developments from other companies like Agility, Apptronik, Boston Dynamics, Figure, and Tesla.

A Unique Home-Focused Approach

While many firms, including Figure, are initially focusing on warehouse and factory applications, 1X distinguishes itself with its primary emphasis on home use.

Successfully introducing robots into homes presents significant challenges. Beyond robotic vacuums from companies like iRobot, few have achieved substantial market penetration.

Requirements for Home Robotics

Home robots must be practical, dependable, affordable, and demonstrably safer than their industrial counterparts. This is particularly crucial as age-tech is expected to be a key market for home humanoids.

With an aging population, enabling independent living for seniors will become an increasingly important technological goal.

AI and Safety Advancements

In addition to the softer exterior, 1X highlights improvements to the Gamma’s onboard AI system as vital for enhancing safety. These systems require a high degree of environmental awareness to prevent harm to people or property.

The ability for human operators to remotely control the robot remains a critical safety component, even as the pursuit of full autonomy continues.

OpenAI's Involvement and Generative AI

1X gained attention when OpenAI was revealed as an early investor. Many view embodied intelligence – AI with a physical form – as a natural progression from the advancements in generative AI.

OpenAI has since diversified its investments in the humanoid space, including an investment in Figure and speculation about its own robotics initiatives.

The Role of Generative AI in Humanoid Robotics

Generative AI is expected to play a significant role in improving human-robot interactions, particularly in creating more natural language exchanges. Like Figure, 1X is developing its own in-house models to refine the robot’s speech and body language.

The extent to which the Gamma’s new features are a result of collaboration with OpenAI or the acquisition of Kind Humanoid in January remains unclear.

Production and Future Outlook

1X has not disclosed the number of Neo Gamma units produced or planned for the beta program. The launch videos should be considered demonstrations of the robot’s potential behavior in a home environment.

While initial deployments of humanoids are occurring in industrial settings, significant improvements in price, reliability, safety, and functionality are needed before they can be realistically considered for widespread home use.