Particle.news
Download on the App Store

1X Opens Preorders for Neo Home Robot, With Remote Operators Doing the Work

The rollout hinges on remote operators entering homes virtually to perform chores, a trade-off the company says will accelerate training toward autonomy.

Overview

  • U.S. preorders are live with a $20,000 early-access buy or a $499-per-month rental, secured by a $200 refundable deposit and deliveries slated for 2026.
  • At launch, most tasks are carried out by U.S.-based 1X “Experts” via teleoperation rather than by the robot acting on its own.
  • A Wall Street Journal hands-on reported slow, error-prone performance and said no autonomous actions were observed during testing.
  • 1X describes a privacy “social contract” in which in-home data from teleoperated sessions trains its Redwood AI to increase autonomy targeted for 2026.
  • Early use comes with safety limits and eligibility rules, including a 55-pound carry cap and initial exclusion of households with young children.