Meet NEO: The $20,000 eerie humanoid robot
NEO can lift up to 68 kilograms and carry 25, impressive numbers for a domestic robot. But there is a catch, it still needs humans to guide it
For years, the dream of having a humanoid robot doing household chores seemed like something from a sci-fi film.
This week, that fantasy edged closer to reality — sort of. Robotics company 1X has unveiled the NEO Home Robot, claiming it to be the world's first consumer-ready humanoid robot. Yet, the launch has sparked as many questions as it has excitement.
Standing 5 feet 6 inches tall and weighing 30 kilograms, NEO looks every bit the futuristic home companion. Its soft polymer body, available in tan, grey, and dark brown, gives it a friendly appearance. It connects via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and even 5G, allowing users to issue voice commands or operate it through a mobile app.
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NEO can lift up to 68 kilograms and carry 25, impressive numbers for a domestic robot. But there is a catch — it still needs humans to guide it.
According to The Wall Street Journal, NEO currently cannot perform household tasks autonomously. Instead, remote operators from 1X, wearing VR headsets, control it in real time, teaching it how to perform new chores.
These sessions help the robot "learn," but they also mean that a human somewhere is virtually stepping inside your home through NEO's cameras. The company promises strict privacy controls and visible signals when the robot is being remotely operated.
Despite its limitations, NEO is a significant step in bringing humanoid robotics to homes. It folds shirts, closes dishwashers, and might one day cook a meal. Priced at $20,000, or $499 a month on lease, it offers a vision of tomorrow's household helper.
