1X Secures $100M to Revolutionize the Consumer Market with Bipedal Android “NEO”
1X, a pioneering AI and robotics company addressing global labor challenges, has announced a significant milestone: securing $100 million in Series B financing. The investment round attracted major players, including EQT Ventures, Samsung NEXT, Skagerak Funding, and the Nistad Group.
This funding will enable 1X to strengthen its partnerships with existing enterprise clients while preparing to introduce its innovative bipedal android, NEO, to the consumer market. Additionally, the company aims to enhance its data collection and training strategy for embodied AI, a critical component in developing robots capable of human-like interactions and adaptability.
“We are thrilled to have these esteemed investors support our mission of deploying intelligent, safe, and capable androids into new markets,” said Bernt Øivind Børnich, CEO of 1X. “Our next focus is scaling our embodied AI data collection and bringing NEO to consumers.”
Meet NEO: The Future of Personal Assistance
NEO, a bipedal android designed to mimic human movement and appearance, is built to serve as a versatile personal assistant for everyday life. Tailored for the consumer market, NEO offers assistance with household tasks such as cleaning, organizing, and running errands.
In addition to its household capabilities, 1X envisions NEO as a valuable companion for individuals with mobility challenges. Whether retrieving items or providing companionship, NEO’s potential extends beyond the home to contribute to fields like psychology and artificial intelligence research.
NEO’s Key Features
- Human-Centric Design:
NEO’s physical structure includes biomimetic, muscle-like components, enabling robust yet gentle interactions. Its natural gait allows it to walk, run, and navigate stairs with ease, adapting seamlessly to various environments. - Enhanced Learning Abilities:
Powered by advanced AI, NEO continuously learns and improves its capabilities, becoming an increasingly effective and adaptable assistant. - Remote Human Assistance:
NEO features remote operation capabilities, allowing human operators to provide real-time support when needed. - Practical and Reliable:
NEO is designed to integrate into daily routines, simplifying life for users through expert management of tasks and responsibilities.
Humanoid Robots in Action Around the World
Humanoid robots are already making their mark in various industries, with Asia leading the market. Examples include:
- Kime: Serving snacks and drinks at autonomous kiosks in Spain.
- Nao and Pepper: Assisting students in educational environments with teaching and content creation.
- Sophia: The first robot to receive citizenship (Saudi Arabia) and a passport, created by Hanson Robotics in Hong Kong.
- DAL-e by Hyundai: Equipped with language processing, facial recognition, and automated mobility for customer service.
- Ameca by Engineered Arts: A cutting-edge humanoid platform for advancing AI and robotics.
- ARMAR-6: Performing independent maintenance tasks in industrial settings while assisting human collaborators.
- Apollo by Apptronik: A general-purpose robot designed for factories and warehouses, with plans to expand into construction, retail, elder care, and more.
- Nadine Social Robot: Developed at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore, Nadine specializes in customer service with advanced facial recognition, emotion simulation, and conversational capabilities.
The Evolution of Humanoid Robotics
Humanoid robots have been in development for years, but recent breakthroughs in artificial intelligence—particularly in language models—have accelerated their potential. 1X’s NEO brings us closer to a future where androids seamlessly assist in everyday life.
From the imagination of Leonardo da Vinci to the dreams of modern science fiction, humanoid robots have fascinated humanity for over 500 years. Today, we are witnessing the realization of these dreams in real-time. The integration of androids like NEO into the human workforce will undoubtedly be transformative, paving the way for a new era of collaboration between humans and machines.
With NEO leading the charge, 1X is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of robotics and embodied AI.