1X NEO Beta brings back the humanoid robot hype

The idea of having a robot assist us in our daily lives is becoming more of a reality than ever before with the 1X NEO Beta robot. Imagine a humanoid robot that can not only navigate your home with ease but also learn from its surroundings and perform various tasks, all while ensuring safety for you and your loved ones. This is exactly what 1X Robotics offers.

Sounds good? In this overview, we will delve into the unique features of the 1X NEO Beta robot, its design and capabilities, and how it compares to other humanoid robots currently in development.

What is the 1X NEO Beta robot?

The 1X NEO Beta robot is a new bipedal humanoid robot prototype created by 1X. Designed for use in the home, NEO Beta is a significant step forward in making intelligent robots a regular part of daily life. Unlike earlier robots that were often rigid and limited in function, 1X NEO Beta robot uses a bio-inspired design that allows it to work safely and efficiently alongside people in a household setting.

NEO Beta is designed with two legs and mimics human walking patterns, allowing it to navigate spaces such as homes more effectively. This design helps it move through areas that might be challenging for other types of robots, such as uneven flooring or stairs.

The robot has a bio-inspired design, meaning its movements are modeled after the human body. This allows for more natural, flexible motions compared to the rigid movements of many older robots.

1X NEO Beta weighs around 25 kg (66 lbs), which is lighter than many similar robots designed for industrial or home use. This lighter weight reduces the risk of damage or injury in case of a fall or collision, making it more suitable for household use. By comparison, other humanoid robots like Tesla’s Optimus GEN2 and Figure 02 are heavier, weighing 57 kg (152 lbs) and 70 kg (187 lbs), respectively.

(Credit: 1x Robotics)

The robot is designed to learn from its environment, adapting its behavior over time. This is achieved through continuous interaction with its surroundings and input from human operators who guide and train it on various tasks. 1X employs operators who work with the robot to refine its abilities, enabling it to perform a variety of household tasks more effectively.

That's def a dude in a suit

— 1X (@1x_tech) August 31, 2024

Is the 1X NEO Beta robot safe?

Safety is a primary design focus for NEO Beta, especially since it will operate in home environments where it may encounter people, children, and pets. It includes sensors and software to detect and avoid obstacles and prevent collisions.

The exterior of NEO Beta is soft and cushioned in specific areas, unlike other robots that use hard plastic or metal casings. This makes any accidental contact less likely to cause injury.

(Credit: 1x Robotics)

However, humanoid robots like NEO Beta face several challenges, including developing comprehensive safety standards and gaining consumer trust. Organizations such as IEEE are working to establish guidelines to ensure robots operate safely around people. As these guidelines develop, robots like NEO Beta will need to meet strict safety and performance criteria to be widely adopted for home use.

Is the 1X NEO Beta robot just a concept?

NEO Beta is being prepared for mass production at 1X’s factory in Moss, Norway. The goal is to produce these robots on a large scale, making them accessible for use in more homes.

This production readiness shows that the robot is not just a concept but is intended to be a real product used in everyday situations.

A small number of NEO Beta units will be deployed in selected homes to gather data and improve the robot’s capabilities. This testing phase will help understand how the robot performs in actual living spaces and what adjustments are needed. The feedback collected from these test environments will be crucial in refining the robot’s design and functionality.

Comparison with other humanoid robots

NEO Beta is part of a new wave of humanoid robots being developed for different environments. Compared to others, like Tesla’s Optimus GEN2 and Unitree’s G1, NEO Beta is lighter and designed specifically with home use in mind. Its softer exterior and bio-inspired design set it apart, especially in terms of safety and adaptability in a home environment.

(Credit: 1x Robotics) Get to know 1x Robotics

1X Robotics is a company specializing in humanoid robotics, focusing on developing robots that can operate safely in human environments. The company is based in Norway, with additional offices in Sunnyvale, California; Irving, Texas; and Oslo, Norway. 1X Robotics has been working on humanoid robots for over a decade, starting with its earlier model, EVE, introduced in 2017. The company has a factory in Moss, Norway, where it is preparing for the mass production of its latest humanoid prototype, NEO Beta. This robot is designed for home use and aims to gather real-world data to improve its performance in various household tasks. 1X Robotics employs a team of operators who train these robots to enhance their capabilities in different settings, ensuring they are adaptable and capable of handling diverse environments.

Featured image credit: 1x