Meet "NEO", the first 1X domestic humanoid robot now available for purchase in the United States: it folds clothes, tidies up, and learns over time

The era of domestic humanoids has officially begun. Robotics company 1X has just opened pre-sales for NEO , the first humanoid robot designed to automate household chores and become a personal assistant capable of learning and evolving.

Introducing NEO Gamma. Another step closer to home. pic.twitter.com/Fiu2ohbIiP

— 1X (@1x_tech) February 21, 2025

After a decade in development, the Palo Alto-based company is finally ready to launch a product that until recently belonged exclusively to the realm of science fiction. NEO promises to fold clothes, organize spaces, remind you of important dates, and adapt to the routines of every household , all while operating with the quietest of a whisper.

The heart of NEO lies in its "Chores" feature, which allows owners to assign, schedule, and monitor household tasks . Using simple voice commands or via a mobile app, users can ask it to tidy rooms, fold laundry, or clean spaces in real time.

What's fascinating is that NEO doesn't come pre-programmed with all the answers . For tasks it hasn't yet mastered, homeowners can book a "1X Expert": a human operator who will remotely control the robot to complete the task while the machine learns by observing . Yes, you read that right. Someone will see the inside of your house through the robot's eyes to teach it new skills .

NEO The Home RobotOrder Today pic.twitter.com/fTQtCHB4UW

— 1X (@1x_tech) October 28, 2025

“If we don’t have your data, we can’t improve the product,” explained Bernt Børnich, CEO of 1X, in an interview with The Wall Street Journal . Although the idea might cause some discomfort, the company assures that homeowners will have complete control: they can schedule when the call center operator accesses the robot, people on camera will appear blurred, and off-limits zones can be established within the home.

Beyond physical tasks, NEO is equipped with a large-scale language model that allows it to hold contextual conversations without the need for screens. Its "Audio Intelligence" ensures that the robot only listens when spoken to directly, while its "Visual Intelligence" allows it to identify objects and situations, such as detecting ingredients on the countertop and suggesting recipes.

But what truly sets NEO apart is its memory. The robot remembers shopping lists, birthdays, past conversations, and adjusts its responses over time . It's not just a helper; it's a learning companion that gets smarter with every interaction.

At launch, NEO will be able to open doors, fetch objects, and turn off lights autonomously . With ongoing software updates, it promises to learn new skills and adapt to the specific routines of each household.

NEO is 1.67 meters tall and weighs only 30 kilograms, but can lift up to 70 kilograms and carry up to 25 kilograms . Its soft body is made of 3D lattice polymer structures wrapped in machine-washable fabric, giving it a friendly and non-intimidating appearance.

The robot incorporates 1X's patented "Tendon Drive" system, powered by unprecedented torque density motors that enable natural and delicate movements , safe around people . Its hands exhibit human-level dexterity with 22 degrees of freedom, capable of precisely manipulating small objects.

It operates at a noise level of only 22 decibels, quieter than a modern refrigerator, and has a four-hour battery life before needing to be recharged. When the battery runs low, NEO finds its wall charger, walks to it, and plugs itself in.

Joanna Stern of the Wall Street Journal had the opportunity to test a current version of NEO and found that it's still not ready to do much autonomously . The video published by the WSJ shows the considerable time it takes to complete simple tasks, its lack of confidence when loading a dishwasher with glassware for five minutes, and its reliance on a call center operator for most functions.

From @JoannaStern 's great video review of the @1x_tech Neo of today (she makes it clear this isn't what's shipping in 2026). For now, it's all remote operated and it's *still* struggling a little to do basic stuff.

This isn't crapping on it, it's just that this stuff is HARD. pic.twitter.com/ySzbGSjvvh