Humanoid Robots Gain Attention Amid Skepticism at Silicon Valley Summit

Robot maker 1X made headlines when it launched preorders for its Neo humanoid robot, priced at $20,000. Recently, 1X announced a deal with private equity firm EQT to deploy up to 10,000 Neo humanoids over the next five years across various sectors including manufacturing, facility operations, and health care.

The robots will utilize the same AI technology as those available to the public, with pilots set to begin in the US in 2026. Preorders for Neo require a $200 down payment, with a leasing option available for $499 per month.

The Neo robot stands 5 feet 6 inches tall and can lift 154 pounds, having demonstrated capabilities like folding laundry and carrying groceries. However, during a demonstration, Neo was not fully autonomous and operated via a remote human operator using a VR headset. 1X stated that upon delivery, Neo will have basic autonomy and will improve its capabilities over time.

EQT Ventures emphasized that this initiative is aimed at addressing labor shortages while enhancing productivity, clarifying that it is not about replacing workers but empowering them. Other companies in the humanoid robotics arena include Unitree, Apptronik, Boston Dynamics, and Tesla, which recently faced criticism over the performance of its Optimus robot during a demo.