Norwegian Startup 1X to Begin In-Home Testing of Neo Gamma Humanoid Robot

Norwegian robotics startup, 1X, has announced plans to test its humanoid robot, Neo Gamma, in homes by the end of 2025. Bernt Børnich, CEO of 1X, disclosed in an interview with TechCrunch during Nvidia's GTC 2025 that these tests will involve placing Neo Gamma in “a few hundred to a few thousand” homes. The initiative aims to refine the robot's capabilities by allowing it to learn from human environments.

Neo Gamma's Development and Testing

Neo Gamma is 1X's first bipedal prototype intended for real-world testing. It represents a significant leap from its predecessor, Neo Beta, featuring an enhanced AI model and a protective nylon bodysuit to mitigate injury risks during interactions. During a demo at Nvidia’s GTC, Neo Gamma demonstrated basic tasks such as vacuuming, watering plants, and navigating a living room. However, the robot faced technical challenges, including connectivity issues, which highlight the complexities of deploying such technology in uncontrolled environments.

The Role of Teleoperation

Although Neo Gamma relies on AI for fundamental functions like walking and balancing, it is not yet fully autonomous. To make in-home tests feasible, 1X is employing teleoperators. These human operators can guide Neo Gamma's movements remotely, using real-time data from the robot’s sensors and cameras. This human-assisted setup serves as a bridge to complete autonomy while allowing the team to gather vital operational data.

Privacy Considerations

The use of cameras and microphones to collect data from homes introduces privacy concerns. Addressing these, 1X has implemented measures allowing users to control when a teleoperator can access their robot's surroundings. This is crucial to assure future customers of their personal privacy and security.

Industry Context and Future Outlook

The entry of humanoid robots into domestic settings marks a significant milestone for the robotics industry. 1X's move comes amidst growing interest and investment, as seen with competitors like Figure and even initiatives by OpenAI. Despite the excitement, challenges remain, especially regarding technology refinement and market readiness. 1X plans to harness the experiences and data from these pilot deployments to further train its AI models, enhance robot capabilities, and eventually pursue commercialization. While humanoid robots like Neo Gamma may soon be widespread in pilot settings, it will take years for fully autonomous models to become commercially available.

Conclusion

1X’s initiative with Neo Gamma represents a critical step in integrating humanoid robots into daily life, although widespread use is still on the horizon. The success of their early adopter program will likely influence the trajectory of domestic robotics, paving the way for future developments.