The Future is Moving In...

For decades, the idea of having a robot helper belonged in science fiction. It was easy to imagine a machine that could unload the dishwasher, tidy the living room, or carry groceries inside after a long day—but it always seemed years away

Now, that future may finally be arriving. 

California-based robotics company 1X Technologies has opened reservations for NEO, a humanoid robot designed specifically for home use. Unlike robotic vacuums or lawn mowers that perform a single task, NEO is built to move throughout a home and assist with a variety of everyday chores using artificial intelligence and advanced sensors. The company says initial U.S. deliveries will begin in 2026, making NEO one of the first commercially available humanoid robots intended for everyday households. 

Built To Help Around The House.

Standing about 5 feet 6 inches tall and weighing 66 pounds, NEO was intentionally designed with a soft fabric exterior and quiet operation to feel comfortable around people and pets. Using cameras, microphones, sensors, and AI software, the robot can recognize objects, understand voice commands, and navigate around furniture and obstacles. According to 1X, NEO can vacuum floors, pick up clutter, carry groceries, water plants, retrieve household items, unload dishwashers, and fold laundry. Owners can assign chores through a smartphone app or simply ask the robot using natural conversation. The robot can even return to its charging station automatically when its battery runs low. 

A Robot That Learns 

Perhaps the most remarkable feature is that NEO is designed to improve over time. Rather than relying only on fixed programming, the robot uses 1X’s Redwood AI system to learn routines and THE FUTURE IS MOVING IN... MEET THE AI HOME ROBOT FUTURE LIVING repeat tasks more efficiently. As owners continue using the robot, software updates and real-world experience allow it to unlock new capabilities. For especially complex tasks it hasn’t learned yet, users can schedule an “Expert Mode” session, allowing a trained 1X specialist to remotely supervise the robot as it learns the new activity. The company says these supervised sessions help accelerate NEO’s development while expanding what it can do inside the home. 

The Price Of The Future 

Early Adoption doesn’t come cheap. Customers can reserve NEO today with a fully refundable $200 deposit. At delivery, buyers can choose between purchasing the robot for $20,000, which includes priority delivery and a three- year warranty, or selecting a $499-per- month subscription plan that includes hardware support. While those prices place NEO well beyond the average household budget today, many technology analysts compare this moment to the early days of personal computers and smartphones, when groundbreaking technology carried premium prices before becoming mainstream.

The Next Big Smart Home Upgrade? 

No one knows exactly when humanoid robots will become as common as smart speakers or robotic vacuums, but many industry experts believe they represent the next major evolution of the connected home. For now, NEO remains an ambitious first step—a glimpse into a future where household chores may one day be handled by a walking, talking AI assistant. Curious to see it in action? Demonstration videos, specifications, and reservation information are available at 1X.tech/ NEO, where prospective buyers can learn more about the technology and join the reservation list.