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1X is taking a significant leap toward making humanoid robots a part of everyday home life. The company has introduced Redwood AI, a next-generation artificial intelligence system that enhances the autonomy and intelligence of its NEO humanoid robot. Designed to operate in domestic environments, the updated NEO can now perform a wide range of household tasks—from vacuuming and watering plants to carrying items up to 44 pounds. This advancement marks a key moment in the evolution of home robotics, as NEO begins to transition from an impressive prototype to a real-world assistant.
Redwood AI allows NEO to learn through embodied interaction, meaning it doesn’t rely solely on pre-programmed commands. Instead, the robot improves by engaging with its surroundings, learning how to perform new tasks by observing and practicing in actual home settings. This learning model enables NEO to handle everyday situations with more flexibility, whether it’s folding clothes, picking up toys from the floor, or navigating a cluttered living room. It also lets the robot adapt to objects it hasn’t seen before, which is essential for the unpredictable nature of home environments.
To ensure safety and support learning, 1X has implemented a hybrid control system. While NEO operates autonomously most of the time, human teleoperators can step in remotely when the robot encounters a challenge. This human-in-the-loop model not only ensures safe behavior but also provides valuable training data that Redwood AI can learn from. Over time, as the robot collects more human-guided experiences, it becomes increasingly independent.
In his recent TED talk, 1X CEO Bernt Børnich shared the company’s vision for the future, where robots like NEO become fully autonomous helpers that coexist in homes. He emphasized that each new deployment adds to a growing network of robots learning from real-world scenarios, gradually reducing the need for human oversight. This approach forms the core of 1X’s long-term goal: to build robots that give people more free time by taking over routine domestic tasks.
The company is set to launch in-home trials of its NEO Gamma model in 2025, with plans to deploy the robot in several hundred to a few thousand homes by the end of the year. During these trials, human operators will remain closely involved, but the aim is to integrate the robot naturally into household routines and allow Redwood AI to continue learning in context.
NEO Gamma stands out among its competitors for its home-first design. Unlike industrial-focused robots from companies like Boston Dynamics or Figure, NEO is built for domestic environments. It features soft-knit coverings for safety, a multipurpose whole-body controller for human-like movement, and task versatility ranging from making coffee to wiping windows. Its mobility includes the ability to squat, sit, and walk with natural arm and leg motions, allowing it to navigate and interact within a wide range of home layouts.
What makes NEO unique is its attempt to replace not just one device, but many. While most home automation tools—like robot vacuums or smart speakers—are built for single functions, NEO is designed to do it all. The robot can clean, carry, organize, and even accept groceries directly from its user’s hands. By observing human behavior and mimicking it using motion capture and reinforcement learning running at 100 Hz, NEO can continue improving with every new task it encounters.
While widespread adoption is still on the horizon, 1X’s progress signals a meaningful shift in the field of home robotics. With Redwood AI now powering its operations, NEO is becoming more than just a concept—it’s a glimpse into a future where robots live among us, helping with everyday chores and reshaping what home life looks like.