A Norwegian robotics startup, 1X, is set to roll out its humanoid robot, Neo Gamma, into a few hundred or thousand households by the end of 2025. CEO Bernt Børnich announced this milestone during an interview at Nvidia GTC 2025, emphasizing the importance of early adopters in refining the system through real-life interactions. Despite advancements, Neo Gamma still requires human teleoperation to function effectively within domestic settings. This initiative aims to gather valuable data that will enhance the robot's capabilities and pave the way for commercial deployment.
Innovative Steps Toward Domestic Robotics
Amid growing excitement over home-based humanoid robots, 1X plans to introduce Neo Gamma into homes later this year. In a dynamic shift from laboratory testing, this project seeks to involve early adopters who will contribute to the robot's development by allowing it to operate in everyday environments. While Neo Gamma leverages AI for walking and balancing, it remains far from full autonomy. To bridge this gap, 1X employs teleoperators—humans located remotely—who guide the robot using live feeds from its sensors.
This approach not only facilitates crucial data collection but also addresses current limitations in autonomous functionality. During a recent demonstration at GTC, Neo Gamma successfully performed basic household tasks such as vacuuming and watering plants under partial human control. However, technical glitches highlighted ongoing challenges, including connectivity issues and battery constraints.
Neo Gamma represents a significant evolution from its predecessor, Neo Beta, with enhanced onboard AI and safety features like a knitted nylon body suit designed to minimize potential harm during human interaction. Privacy concerns are acknowledged, with assurances provided regarding user control over when 1X personnel can access the robot’s visual and auditory data.
While details surrounding the early adopter program remain vague, the company maintains a waitlist on its website and promises further clarification in due course. The journey toward fully autonomous domestic robots continues, underscoring the necessity of iterative testing and refinement.
From a journalist's perspective, this development signifies a pivotal moment in the evolution of domestic robotics. Engaging real users in the developmental process highlights a pragmatic approach to overcoming technological barriers. It emphasizes the importance of collaboration between humans and machines, fostering trust and understanding as we navigate the complexities of integrating advanced technology into our daily lives. This initiative serves as a reminder that progress often requires patience and persistence, with each step forward contributing invaluable insights toward achieving long-term goals.
