Take care, Tesla. Robotics startup 1X has launched NEO, its latest humanoid robot designed to autonomously perform household chores using artificial intelligence and its ability to walk on two legs and talk.
1X is the latest player to try to bring robots into the home, betting on their ostensibly lifelike appearance and ability to understand verbal commands, grasp objects and complete household chores previously only humans could perform.
To make this sci-fi vision a reality, 1X announced today that it has secured $100 million in Series B funding. This new cash infusion, led by EQT Ventures, is key to 1X’s next phase of growth to take on a leading role in the country’s fast-growing robotics sector.
We are very proud to announce that we have closed our Series B funding. This is an important milestone in 1X’s life. We continue to innovate to bring the next generation of bipedal androids to the consumer market. We look forward to you bringing NEO home. https://t.co/9ghIfpLXSO
“We are very pleased that these leading investors support 1X’s mission to securely deploy Android with Smart Behavior to new markets,” Bernt Øivind Børnich, CEO of 1X, said in an official statement. “Our next milestone is to expand our data collection strategy for Embodied AI and bring NEO to consumers.”
NEO is 1X’s latest robot lineup. like decryption As previously reported, this generation is an evolution over the company’s previous model, the EVE. With the support of notable global investors, the company expects to be able to bring NEO, a second-generation bipedal android designed for consumers, to the market.
Tailored for home assistance, NEO moves robotics technology from industrial and logistics functions to playing a critical role in the domestic sphere.
A rendering of what NEO would look like. Image: 1X
The birth of 1X vision
1X’s journey is guided by its commitment to harness the potential of AI and robotics to meet global labor needs. This merger of AI and robotics caught the attention of OpenAI, which previously led a $23.5 million investment round to help launch the startup.
Expectations surrounding NEO are high.
“We are confident that 1X with NEO Android will play an important role in the pioneering steps towards our first foray into the technological and human future,” said Ted Persson of EQT Ventures. said.
The company’s initial model, the EVE, was deployed throughout Europe and the United States and proved to be incredibly versatile, from security guard patrols to potentially serving medical environments. With a humanoid head and autonomously moving arms, EVE’s design allows it to perform tasks once only humans could do.
NEO, the latest addition to the 1X lineup, builds on this foundation. Bipedalism mimics human movements, allowing them to effectively navigate and interact within their home environment. Through the integration of advanced AI, NEO adapts and learns from its surroundings, gradually improving its ability to perform complex household tasks.
AI, robotics, and the race for dominance
This significant fundraising by 1X puts it in direct competition with other major players in the space. Tesla is also developing a line of humanoid robots known as “Optimus” under Elon Musk’s leadership. Optimus’ recent showcase demonstrated advanced features, including improved hand movements and a slimmer body shape, signaling Tesla’s commitment to revolutionizing the robotics industry.
❗Elon Musk: “I predict that most of Tesla’s long-term value, the long-term value, will be Optimus. And I’m very confident in that prediction.” pic.twitter.com/btE0gnjnWf
And no enthusiast can forget Boston Dynamics, which has become a legend in the field by introducing robots with advanced mobility and intelligence. These robots are designed for demanding environments, from industrial plants to distribution centers, demonstrating the versatile potential of robotics technology.
Edited by Ryan Ozawa.
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