Before You Preorder a $20K Home Robot, There's Something You Should See

Meet Neo, a humanoid robot designed to assist with household chores. Standing 5 feet 6 inches tall and weighing about as much as a golden retriever, Neo costs nearly as much as a budget car. Created by California-based company 1X, Neo is marketed as a "consumer-ready humanoid," unlike other robots from Tesla and Figure that are currently aimed at factory use.

Capabilities and Limitations

Neo promises to handle everyday tasks such as folding laundry, running a vacuum, tidying shelves, and bringing in groceries. It can open doors, climb stairs, and even serve as a home entertainment system. However, users will still need to train Neo and provide occasional remote assistance.

"Neo is billed as a personal assistant you can talk to and eventually rely on to take care of everyday tasks, such as loading the dishwasher and folding laundry."

Early Adoption and Pricing

Preorders are open with a $200 down payment, targeting early adopters eager to experience this new technology. Neo represents a significant leap beyond conventional robot vacuums from brands like Roomba, Eufy, and Ecovacs, embodying the long-standing sci-fi dream of robotic maids and butlers.

"You'll be signing up as an early adopter for what Neo's maker, a California-based company called 1X, is calling a 'consumer-ready humanoid.'"

Summary

Neo aims to transform home automation by performing complex chores, but it currently requires user training and support, marking it as a promising yet developing technology.

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CNET — 2025-11-07