Eivind Ertesvag 
For years, the idea of a robot helping out at home has belonged firmly in the realm of science fiction. Now, the Norwegian technology company 1X believes that vision is becoming reality. With the launch of its humanoid robot Neo, the company aims to introduce a new kind of household helper built for ordinary homes.
Neo is designed to operate in everyday living spaces and assist with common domestic tasks that many people struggle to find time for in busy daily lives.
Built to handle real household tasks
According to 1X, Neo is intended to function as a practical helper rather than a novelty. The robot can fold laundry, tidy rooms, organize shelves and vacuum floors. Owners will be able to give Neo a list of tasks, schedule when they should be completed, and return home to a cleaner, more organized house.
Neo is equipped with artificial intelligence and visual intelligence, allowing it to understand its surroundings and interact naturally with people. It can recognize objects, hold simple conversations and even identify ingredients in the kitchen, suggesting meals based on what is available.
The company’s founder and CEO, Bernt Børnich, has previously explained that the goal is to move humanoid robots out of laboratories and films and into everyday life, where they can offer real value to households.
Strength, size and design
Neo weighs approximately 30 kilograms and is built to be both stable and strong. It can lift up to 70 kilograms and carry around 25 kilograms, making it capable of handling a wide range of physical tasks around the home.
The robot will be available in beige, gray and dark brown, with a design intended to blend naturally into modern living spaces rather than stand out as a purely industrial device.
Price and availability
At present, Neo is only available for pre-order in the United States. The price is set at 20,000 US dollars, which equals roughly 200,000 Norwegian kroner. Deliveries are planned for 2026.
In addition, 1X has announced plans for a subscription-based model priced at 499 dollars per month. This is expected to cover software updates, services and ongoing development of the robot’s capabilities.
The company says Neo will be introduced to additional markets starting in 2027, but it remains unclear when — or if — it will become available in Norway.
Backed by major investors
The development of Neo is supported by significant financial backing. In January 2024, 1X secured 100 million dollars in funding from EQT Ventures and other international investors.
Today, the company employs more than 80 people across its offices in Moss, Norway, and San Francisco in the United States. The team continues to focus on making advanced robotics accessible and useful for everyday households.
While the price means Neo is currently out of reach for many families, the launch offers a glimpse into how rapidly home technology is evolving — and how domestic life could look very different in the years ahead.
