California-based AI firm 1X has unveiled its $20,000 humanoid robot NEO, designed to tackle household chores with a dash of teleoperation. The futuristic machine will learn to perform tasks on its own, but early adopters must be prepared for human intervention.
NEO's AI neural network is still in the learning phase and requires hands-on experience to become autonomous. In an interview with the Wall Street Journal, 1X CEO Bernt Børnich explained that users who order NEO next year will need to agree that a remote human operator will access their home through the robot's camera to gather training data.
The AI firm acknowledges that much of the work in its early stages will be done by teleoperators. Owners can schedule when the operator takes over, specify tasks, and even request the machine to blur people from view or designate "no-go zones." The company also ensures that operators cannot take control without the owner's approval and has multiple layers of security to prevent potential breaches.
NEO will be available in three colors: tan, gray, and dark brown. Early adopters can pre-order it now for $20,000 upfront, but it will also become a subscription service at $499 per month. For those who want to get in on the action early, NEO is already taking deposits starting at $200.
While the prospect of having a human-operated robot in one's home may raise concerns about security and privacy, 1X CEO Børnich assures that the firm prioritizes these aspects with its robust measures. With NEO, users will be able to enjoy a more hands-off approach to household chores while still benefiting from personalized assistance – but for now, it's all about embracing the future of teleoperation.
NEO's AI neural network is still in the learning phase and requires hands-on experience to become autonomous. In an interview with the Wall Street Journal, 1X CEO Bernt Børnich explained that users who order NEO next year will need to agree that a remote human operator will access their home through the robot's camera to gather training data.
The AI firm acknowledges that much of the work in its early stages will be done by teleoperators. Owners can schedule when the operator takes over, specify tasks, and even request the machine to blur people from view or designate "no-go zones." The company also ensures that operators cannot take control without the owner's approval and has multiple layers of security to prevent potential breaches.
NEO will be available in three colors: tan, gray, and dark brown. Early adopters can pre-order it now for $20,000 upfront, but it will also become a subscription service at $499 per month. For those who want to get in on the action early, NEO is already taking deposits starting at $200.
While the prospect of having a human-operated robot in one's home may raise concerns about security and privacy, 1X CEO Børnich assures that the firm prioritizes these aspects with its robust measures. With NEO, users will be able to enjoy a more hands-off approach to household chores while still benefiting from personalized assistance – but for now, it's all about embracing the future of teleoperation.