Recently, Norwegian robotics company 1X officially launched its latest humanoid robot NEO Gamma, designed specifically for home environments, with a focus on natural movements and safety.
NEO Gamma is capable of natural walking, object manipulation, and interaction through gestures and conversation. The company emphasizes that testing in real home environments is crucial for developing intelligent and adaptable humanoid robots.
In a modern residential setting in Oslo, NEO Gamma's presence is understated. Its nylon woven outerwear and subtle design are intended to blend seamlessly into the home environment rather than draw attention. From natural arm movements to effortlessly sitting on chairs, the robot's actions reflect 1X's commitment to creating movements that are more human-like rather than mechanical.
CEO of 1X, Bernt Børnich, stated, "For humanoid robots to truly integrate into daily life, they must be developed within human environments, not in isolation. Homes provide the real-world context and diverse data necessary for these robots to enhance their intelligence and autonomy. Additionally, home environments teach them the subtleties of human life, such as opening doors, carefully navigating around pets, or adapting to the uncertainties of the surrounding world."
Technologically, NEO Gamma has made significant yet steady advancements. Equipped with a new multi-purpose full-body controller operating at 100Hz, the robot can achieve smoother motions through reinforcement learning using human motion capture data. Its visual control system can handle various objects in unfamiliar environments, while a custom large language model supports more natural conversations.
In terms of design, the robot's tendon-driven joints are enclosed in soft exteriors, reducing operational noise to nearly that of a refrigerator. These features suggest 1X's target market: home assistance, particularly for elderly individuals looking to maintain their independence.
Unlike competitors like Figure, Agility Robotics, and Apptronik, which focus on industrial applications, 1X's strategy of targeting the home market sets it apart. While Figure has already delivered its first humanoid robot to customers and Apptronik secured $350 million in funding, 1X remains focused on the more challenging home environment.
Historically, the home robotics market has been a graveyard for ambitious projects, with few successful cases beyond vacuum cleaners. The complexity of home environments, stringent safety requirements, and cost considerations have hindered the development of more advanced household robots.
Notably, OpenAI, an early investor in 1X, continues to show interest in the company, reflecting confidence in its approach. However, OpenAI has diversified its humanoid robot investments by supporting Figure and is reportedly exploring internal robotics development.
1X has not disclosed the production volume or commercial deployment timeline for NEO Gamma. Videos showcasing the robot performing household tasks serve more as proof-of-concept demonstrations rather than product launches. Although the company hints at initiating limited home tests, there is still a significant gap between prototypes and market-ready products.
