California-based AI and robotics firm 1X has unveiled its latest creation, the NEO humanoid robot, designed to automate household chores with a twist. The robot comes with a hefty price tag of $20,000, but for those willing to shell out the cash upfront, it's available in three colors: tan, gray, and dark brown.
The NEO boasts advanced capabilities, including the ability to perform basic tasks autonomously when it launches next year – such as opening doors, fetching items, and adjusting lighting. However, early adopters can opt for a more seamless experience by relying on human teleoperation, where an operator controls the robot remotely, with its camera capturing footage of their home.
CEO Bernt Børnich revealed that the AI neural network relies heavily on real-world experiences to learn and improve. To achieve this, 1X will need access to data from the user's home – a requirement that raises concerns about privacy. However, Børnich assured that owners have control over their data, including the ability to designate "no-go zones" where teleoperators cannot enter.
Users can schedule when teleoperators take over the robot and specify tasks they want it to perform through an app. While this offers flexibility for owners, there are potential security breaches to consider – a risk that 1X mitigates with multiple layers of security.
To cater to those who don't want to commit to the higher upfront cost, 1X is also offering NEO as a subscription service, priced at $499 per month. For those looking for a more hands-on approach, pre-orders are now available, with a deposit of $200 required.
In short, 1X NEO is designed to revolutionize household chores with its unique blend of autonomy and human teleoperation – but it comes with some caveats about data collection and security.
The NEO boasts advanced capabilities, including the ability to perform basic tasks autonomously when it launches next year – such as opening doors, fetching items, and adjusting lighting. However, early adopters can opt for a more seamless experience by relying on human teleoperation, where an operator controls the robot remotely, with its camera capturing footage of their home.
CEO Bernt Børnich revealed that the AI neural network relies heavily on real-world experiences to learn and improve. To achieve this, 1X will need access to data from the user's home – a requirement that raises concerns about privacy. However, Børnich assured that owners have control over their data, including the ability to designate "no-go zones" where teleoperators cannot enter.
Users can schedule when teleoperators take over the robot and specify tasks they want it to perform through an app. While this offers flexibility for owners, there are potential security breaches to consider – a risk that 1X mitigates with multiple layers of security.
To cater to those who don't want to commit to the higher upfront cost, 1X is also offering NEO as a subscription service, priced at $499 per month. For those looking for a more hands-on approach, pre-orders are now available, with a deposit of $200 required.
In short, 1X NEO is designed to revolutionize household chores with its unique blend of autonomy and human teleoperation – but it comes with some caveats about data collection and security.