Photo credit: www.therobotreport.com
When will humanoid robots take on household tasks? 1X Technologies AS has presented the NEO Beta prototype, gearing up for initial pilot trials in selected homes later this year.
Over the past decade, 1X has been at the forefront of humanoid robotics innovation, starting with the introduction of the EVE robot in 2017. In a strategic move earlier this year, the company expanded its leadership team by adding individuals with corporate backgrounds to bolster its preparations for larger-scale product launches.
NEO Beta signifies a significant shift for 1X, as the company transitions from commercial applications to consumer-oriented solutions. The prototype leverages the object manipulation skills honed through years of experience with EVE and aims to enhance its practical utilities.
To facilitate the learning and refinement process for its robots, 1X employs over a dozen full-time operators. The production of NEO is planned at its factory located in Moss, Norway, with additional offices in Sunnyvale, California; Irving, Texas; and Oslo, Norway.
Prioritizing Safety in Humanoid Robotics
Introducing humanoid robots into a home environment, particularly with children and pets present, necessitates a heightened focus on safety compared to their deployment in industrial settings. As standards organizations develop safety regulations, 1X is committed to ensuring the safety of its products.
“Safety is our top priority,” stated Bernt Børnich, CEO of 1X. He emphasized that safety serves as the foundation for the introduction of NEO Beta into residential environments, allowing for critical feedback collection and practical demonstrations of its capabilities.
“This year, we plan to deploy a limited quantity of NEO units in select homes for research and development purposes,” Børnich said, highlighting the importance of these trials in advancing the company’s goals.
So far, humanoid trials have taken place in controlled environments such as warehouses and factories, involving systems like Agility Robotics’ Digit and Apptronik’s Apollo, both tested at GXO Logistics. Other companies such as Amazon and Mercedes-Benz have also explored the capabilities of these robots during various assessments.
Furthermore, organizations like BMW are trying out Figure AI’s humanoid, and Boston Dynamics is set to test its latest Atlas model in Hyundai’s facilities. In light of safety considerations, IEEE has initiated a study group focused on assessing the current landscape of safety regulations for humanoid robots, anticipating a year-long review process before formal safety standards are established.
Designing NEO Beta for the Consumer Market
According to 1X Technologies, NEO Beta is specifically engineered for consumer applications. Notably, the robot is designed to be relatively lightweight, weighing 25 kg (66 lb.), which is significantly lower than some of its competitors. The Beta prototype weighs slightly more than this target.
For context, the Tesla Optimus GEN2 weighs 57 kg (152 lb.), Figure 02 weighs 70 kg (187 lb.), and the Unitree G1 is at 35 kg (94 lb.).
In anticipation of potential accidents during interactions with humans, it is crucial for manufacturers to develop robots that can respond appropriately. The NEO Beta boasts a softer exterior compared to others in the market, which commonly utilize rigid materials. Instead, NEO is clad in a jumpsuit equipped with cushioned inserts designed to mimic human muscle movement.
Børnich asserted that 1X has eliminated pinch points on the robot, reducing the risk of injury. A follow-up discussion with him is scheduled to elaborate on the company’s technology and strategy for consumer engagement.
Funding and Price Outlook
The sector of humanoid robotics has attracted significant investment, with startups securing over $4.2 billion in funding through June, as reported by Crunchbase. A notable example is Figure AI, which raised $675 million and achieved a valuation of $2.6 billion earlier this year.
However, the practical application and pricing of these robots remain uncertain. In January, 1X Technologies successfully raised $100 million in a Series B funding round to further its development and expansion plans. Details regarding the retail price of the NEO robot are yet to be announced.
Elon Musk has suggested that the Tesla Optimus could eventually retail for under $20,000, while reports indicate that the Unitree G1 is priced at around $16,000.
Source
www.therobotreport.com