1X will test humanoid robots in ‘a few hundred’ homes in 2025

Norwegian robotics startup 1X is gearing up for a groundbreaking trial of its humanoid robots, including its latest model, Neo Gamma, in select households later in 2025. The company’s CEO, Bernt Børnich, recently shared plans to introduce the prototype into a limited number of homes to gather valuable insights that will help refine both the robot’s physical performance and its artificial intelligence capabilities.

As the interest in humanoid robots surges, 1X’s initiative signals a new chapter in the evolution of how these advanced machines might soon interact with people in everyday environments. The trial will not only assess the feasibility of integrating humanoid robots into home settings but also shape future developments in AI-driven robotics.

Introducing Neo Gamma: A New Era in Home Robotics

Neo Gamma represents both a technological milestone and a significant step forward in the development of humanoid robots for home use. Building on previous prototypes, including its predecessor Neo Beta, the latest model features an enhanced onboard AI system and a specially designed knitted nylon suit. This suit is engineered to minimize risks during interactions between humanoid robots and humans, an important safety innovation for in-home applications.

While the robot’s AI allows it to walk and maintain balance, full autonomy is still on the horizon. At present, Neo Gamma, like many humanoid robots, relies on remote guidance provided by human teleoperators—professionals who can view real-time data from the robot’s sensors and cameras. This cautious approach ensures a safer testing phase while simultaneously collecting crucial data on how humanoid robots perform in dynamic and unpredictable home environments.

The In-Home Testing Program: Learning from Early Adopters

The company is taking a user-centric approach by inviting early adopters to host Neo Gamma in their homes. These early participants will not only experience a glimpse of the future but will also contribute to the development process. Their everyday interactions with the robot will help 1X build one of the most comprehensive datasets available, which will then be used to train refined AI models in-house.

By testing Neo Gamma in a variety of real-life domestic settings—ranging from apartments to larger houses—1X aims to learn how the robot responds to common household obstacles and how it can adapt to varied lifestyles. Such data is vital for enhancing the system’s behavior, safety, and overall reliability.

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Remote Operation: Balancing Innovation and Safety

One of the most intriguing aspects of this project is the use of remote operation during the early testing phase. Although Neo Gamma is designed with advanced AI features, it is not yet capable of fully autonomous operation. Like many humanoid robots, it still requires human teleoperators to assist with maneuvering in real time. This hybrid approach addresses safety concerns while offering unique opportunities to refine the system.

Børnich explains that by “bootstrapping the process” with teleoperators, 1X can monitor how humanoid robots navigate household environments and identify areas for improvement before achieving full autonomy. This strategy represents a prudent step in complex technological innovations, similar to how autonomous vehicle startups initially deploy controlled testing before scaling up. As the field of humanoid robots advances, these careful early-stage adaptations will be critical in shaping their future role in everyday life.

Innovative Data Collection and AI Training

At the heart of 1X’s initiative is the goal to fine-tune Neo Gamma’s AI capabilities. As the robot is deployed into homes, its interactions are carefully monitored, allowing the company to gather extensive data on user behavior and environmental challenges. These insights are critical for updating the onboard AI models.

While 1X benefits from partnerships with industry giants such as OpenAI and Nvidia, the company remains committed to developing its primary AI technology internally. In instances where collaboration helps augment the system, co-training of AI models ensures that every iteration of Neo Gamma is safer, more responsive, and better adapted to real-world environments. This process also sets a precedent for how startups can navigate the technical and ethical challenges associated with in-home data collection.

Ensuring Privacy and Data Security

Naturally, the presence of a robotic system that collects visual and auditory data within the intimate setting of one’s home raises significant privacy considerations. To address these concerns, 1X has emphasized that users maintain control over when and under what circumstances a company representative may access the robot’s live feed.

Customers will have the ability to authorize remote monitoring sessions, whether for auditing purposes or to assist in teleoperated control. This approach is designed to protect user privacy while allowing the company to access critical data needed for continued improvements.

1X’s transparent communication about data collection practices and user permission protocols is crucial to building trust. As with similarly ambitious projects in other industries, the balance between technological innovation and privacy remains a top priority.

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Competition and the Broader Robotics Landscape

Neo Gamma is not the only humanoid robot poised to disrupt the in-home robotics market. Competitors such as Figure, a robotics company headquartered in the Bay Area, are also poised to begin testing humanoid prototypes in domestic environments later this year. Recent discussions in the industry include promising funding rounds and high valuations, highlighting the intense competition and rapid advancements in the field.

For example, Figure is currently negotiating a significant fundraise that has positioned it with a valuation exceeding $40 billion, a signal of the high stakes and investor interest in this new frontier of robotics technology. Even major players like OpenAI are reportedly considering developing their own humanoid robots, underscoring both the potential and the challenges of building robots capable of seamlessly integrating into human living spaces.

The competitive dynamic in the robotics industry closely mirrors the early days of autonomous vehicles, where trial and error in real-world scenarios is critical for long-term success. Although many hurdles remain, the lessons learned from operating Neo Gamma in actual homes will provide invaluable insights that can help shape the future of consumer robotics.

Overcoming Technical Hurdles

During early demonstrations, Neo Gamma performed several household tasks, such as vacuuming and watering plants, showcasing its potential to assist with daily chores. However, the testing phase has also highlighted some of the inherent challenges. In a live demonstration, a technical hiccup led the robot to momentarily lose balance and collapse into the arms of a team member—a reminder of the delicate balance between cutting-edge robotics technology and real-world operational reliability.

Such incidents are invaluable learning experiences. They reveal both the current limitations of the technology and the improvements needed to achieve a seamless level of autonomous operation. Frequent challenges, such as Wi-Fi connectivity issues and fluctuating battery performance, are being documented so that more robust and future-proof systems can be developed.

Importantly, this early testing phase is not meant to be a finished product but rather a stepping stone toward future, more advanced models. With continuous updates and rigorous testing protocols, 1X is positioning itself to address these technical challenges head-on, ensuring that future versions of Neo Gamma might one day become a ubiquitous presence in households worldwide.

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Strategic Outlook and Future Prospects

While the current phase relies on a combination of AI and human teleoperation, the ultimate vision for Neo Gamma is one of fully autonomous operation. The in-home trials scheduled for 2025 are essential not only for iterating on the prototype but also for establishing a robust go-to-market strategy. At this point, the company has opened a waitlist via its official website, inviting interested parties to be among the first to experience this frontier technology.

The data that emerges from these trials will be instrumental in shaping future iterations of the robot. By learning directly from everyday interactions, 1X is poised to iron out the limitations of current technology and work toward a future where home robotics is both safe and practical. As the robotics sector continues to evolve, the lessons learned in these early deployments will likely serve as a blueprint for both startups and established players aspiring to develop user-friendly autonomous systems.

Furthermore, the measured pace of technological rollout is a wise strategy given the inherent risks and regulatory hurdles. Just as early pilots in the autonomous vehicle sector demonstrated, rapid expansion without rigorous testing can lead to setbacks. In sharing its plans and progress openly, 1X aims to assure both consumers and industry stakeholders that its approach is both innovative and responsible.

Conclusion: A Glimpse Into the Future of Domestic Robotics

As 2025 approaches, the anticipation builds around 1X’s ambitious plan to test humanoid robots in a select number of homes. The deployment of Neo Gamma represents a pivotal moment in the quest to merge advanced humanoid robots with everyday living. While the road to fully autonomous home robotics is still long and fraught with challenges—from refining AI systems to ensuring data privacy—the current in-home trials are a promising step forward.

Overall, the approach adopted by 1X—combining human oversight with cutting-edge technology—demonstrates a thoughtful pathway toward a future where humanoid robots could become commonplace. Early adopters who choose to participate in this trial will play a crucial role in setting the standard for the next generation of humanoid robots, paving the way for eventual broader commercialization.

For those interested in staying ahead of technological trends and learning more about this evolving field, keeping an eye on 1X’s research and iterative improvements promises exciting developments in the near future. With safety, privacy, and user experience at the forefront, the trial phase in a few hundred select households may well shape the future of humanoid robots for years to come.

In summary, the measured yet ambitious move by 1X to test humanoid robots in restricted home environments in 2025 not only highlights the rapid progress in robotic technology but also marks an important step toward achieving a balance between technological advancement and everyday practicality.