The Norwegian robotics company, 1X, recently unveiled its latest humanoid robot, the X1 Neo Beta, in a brief yet impactful introduction video on August 30. This sweatsuit-clad robot is not just another tech innovation; it’s designed to safely interact in your home, even offering a friendly hug. The launch marks a significant shift from the company’s original focus on industrial robotics to a more consumer-centered approach.
From Factories to Living Rooms: The Evolution of 1X Robots
For over a decade, 1X has been developing humanoid robots primarily intended for factories and commercial spaces. However, a pivotal partnership with OpenAI in 2022 led to the integration of generative AI in its robotics line, paving the way for a consumer-oriented focus. Earlier this year, 1X introduced the 1X A1 robot — a humanoid with gripper hands and wheels, capable of basic tasks like cleaning tables and folding laundry, albeit slowly.
Now, the Neo Beta represents a significant advancement in 1X’s lineup. The robot sports a more sophisticated design with feet instead of wheels and expressive, 10-fingered hands replacing the former grippers. The cartoonish face has been replaced by a sleek, expressionless black glass, lending a more human-like appearance to the robot.
A Humanoid with Heart: X1 Neo Beta First Public Appearance
The X1 Neo Beta debut video doesn’t reveal much about the robot’s specifications or capabilities but does tell a touching story. In the video, a young woman ties her shoes in a living room as the Neo Beta watches. It points to her backpack and makes a shrugging gesture. The woman acknowledges, and Neo Beta picks up the backpack and gently hands it over. As the woman prepares to leave, the robot appears momentarily lost, looking at its hands before signaling her to return. In a rare moment, the robot and woman share an embrace — a gesture that raises questions about the emotional intelligence and physical safety of robots interacting with humans.
A Focus on Safety and Real-World Testing
1X is taking cautious steps to ensure Neo Beta’s integration into homes is safe and reliable. In a recent release, Bernt Børnich, CEO of 1X, emphasized that “safety is the cornerstone” of the Neo Beta project. “Our priority is safety. This approach allows us to introduce Neo Beta into homes with confidence, where it will gather essential feedback and demonstrate its capabilities in real-world settings,” said Børnich.
Currently, Neo Beta is undergoing limited home trials, collecting valuable data to enhance its functionality and interaction capabilities. The trials aim to identify potential safety concerns, such as whether a robot can determine how not to squeeze someone too hard during a hug, and ensure that the robot’s behaviors are well-suited for home environments.
Looking Ahead: A Future with Robots at Home?
The Neo Beta marks a new chapter in the development of humanoid robots, bridging the gap between industrial applications and everyday human interactions. While the idea of a robot companion may still feel like science fiction, 1X’s innovative strides suggest that the future of home robotics could be closer than we think. For now, however, the Neo Beta will continue to learn, adapt, and hopefully, master the art of a gentle hug.
