1X Technologies Aims for 20,000 Home Humanoid Robots Annually by 2026, Emphasizing Safety and Affordability

Bernt Bornich, CEO of 1X Technologies, recently underscored his company's strategic vision for the humanoid robotics sector, stating in a tweet that "Safe, capable, and affordable humanoids win the race." This assertion highlights the Palo Alto-based AI and robotics firm's commitment to developing general-purpose robots for the home, with their flagship NEO model poised to integrate into daily life.

1X Technologies, founded by Bornich, is focused on creating a society of abundance through autonomous robots capable of performing various tasks. The NEO humanoid is specifically designed to assist with household chores such as vacuuming, folding laundry, and tidying, prioritizing user safety and seamless integration into domestic environments.

NEO's design incorporates advanced tendon-driven mechanisms, inspired by human musculature, which contribute to low energy consumption and intrinsic safety. Bornich revealed that their proprietary motors achieve 5.5 times the world record in torque, enabling a gearless, compliant system. This innovation allows NEO to be lightweight at 66 pounds, yet capable of lifting 150 pounds and carrying 50 pounds, operating with remarkable quietness.

Unlike many competitors targeting industrial settings, 1X Technologies is strategically focused on the consumer market to gather diverse real-world data, crucial for advancing robot intelligence. The company plans to significantly scale up manufacturing, aiming for an annual production rate of over 20,000 NEO units by the end of 2026, with aspirations for hundreds of thousands by the decade's end. Bornich indicated the robots would be "cheaper than people think," comparable to a household appliance in cost.

1X Technologies has successfully secured over $125 million in funding from prominent investors, including Tiger Global, SoftBank, Nvidia, EQT, and OpenAI. Bornich envisions a future with billions of humanoids, potentially reaching 10 billion by 2040, believing they are essential for solving complex societal challenges and achieving general artificial intelligence.

The company places a strong emphasis on intrinsic safety in NEO's design and implements rigorous data privacy measures. User data, vital for continuous robot learning, is collected with transparency, offering users control over review and deletion. Human teleoperators intervene only with explicit user approval for complex tasks, balancing functionality with privacy.