1X NEO Review: Price, Specs & Home Robot Performance [2026]

The future of home robotics has arrived, and it costs $20,000. After months of anticipation, 1X Technologies' NEO humanoid robot is now accepting pre-orders with delivery expected in late 2026. As someone who has tracked the humanoid robotics industry extensively, I can tell you this is a watershed moment — the first consumer-ready humanoid robot with real shipping dates and genuine home capabilities.

In this comprehensive 1X NEO review, I'll break down everything you need to know: the complete specifications, real-world performance data, how the revolutionary "Expert Mode" teleoperation system works, pricing options (including the $499/month subscription), and how NEO stacks up against competitors like the Unitree R1 and Tesla Optimus. If you're considering bringing a humanoid robot into your home in 2026, this guide has you covered.

Key Takeaways: 1X NEO at a Glance

• Price: $20,000 outright purchase OR $499/month subscription (both include required services)
• Deposit: $200 fully refundable deposit secures your spot (over 10,000 reserved)
• Delivery: Expected late 2026, US-only initially, international in 2027
• Standout Feature: First consumer humanoid with real pre-orders and World Model AI that learns from watching videos
• Best For: Tech-savvy early adopters who want to be first with home robotics
• Key Limitation: Relies on human teleoperation for complex tasks initially — expect 60-70% autonomy at launch

1X NEO Complete Specifications

Let's start with the hard numbers. The 1X NEO is designed to be human-scale and home-safe — a critical distinction from industrial humanoids that can weigh 150+ lbs.

What immediately stands out is NEO's lightweight 30 kg (66 lb) frame. Compare this to Tesla Optimus at 57 kg (125 lbs) or Boston Dynamics Atlas at 89 kg (196 lbs). This isn't just a spec sheet number — it's a fundamental safety design decision. A 66 lb robot that bumps into you is far less dangerous than a 125 lb one.

The 200+ degrees of freedom and 1,000+ Myofiber actuators deserve special attention. NEO uses a tendon-drive actuation system — essentially artificial tendons that mimic human musculature. This creates movements that are inherently gentler and more natural than traditional servo motors. It's why NEO can pick up a wine glass without shattering it.

1X NEO Price Breakdown: $20,000 or $499/Month

1X Technologies has positioned NEO at an aggressive price point for a full-scale humanoid robot:

The $499/month subscription is particularly interesting. Over 4 years, you'd pay $23,952 — more than the purchase price. However, the subscription includes potential hardware upgrades as 1X iterates on the design. For bleeding-edge technology, that flexibility has value.

How NEO's Price Compares to Competitors

At $20,000, NEO isn't the cheapest humanoid — the Unitree R1 starts at just $5,900. But NEO is the only one explicitly designed for consumer home use with AI assistance baked in. You're not just buying hardware; you're buying access to 1X's entire AI ecosystem.

For more on pricing across the industry, see our guide: How Much Do Humanoid Robots Cost in 2026?

NEO's World Model: How the AI Actually Works

This is where NEO gets genuinely interesting — and different from every other humanoid robot on the market.

In January 2026, 1X unveiled their World Model — an AI system that lets NEO learn from watching videos. Not pre-programmed routines. Not teleoperated muscle memory. Actual learning from observation.

Here's how 1X CEO Bernt Børnich explained it to CNET:

"A person can walk up to a washing machine they've never seen before and still figure out how to open it. They look for hinges, handles or locks, and if one approach fails, they try another. That's not memorization. It's reasoning about how objects tend to work. NEO is starting to show that kind of behavior."

The World Model is trained on approximately:

• 1 million+ hours of general internet video showing humans doing everyday tasks
• Hundreds of hours of first-person footage from NEO's own cameras
• Real-world operational data from NEO units in testing environments

The result? In 1X's latest demo video, NEO performed all of these tasks fully autonomously (no human teleoperation):

• Putting toast in a toaster
• Removing an air fryer basket
• Opening a sliding glass door
• Watering plants
• Wiping tables
• Packing a lunch box
• Ironing and steaming shirts
• Plunging a toilet
• Rolling out dough
• Opening bags of chips
• Organizing fruit

None of these were pre-scripted routines. NEO figured them out.

Expert Mode: The Teleoperation System Explained

Here's the catch — and 1X is refreshingly transparent about this.

NEO is not 100% autonomous at launch. For tasks it can't yet handle on its own, a human "Expert" steps in remotely using VR equipment to see through NEO's cameras and control its movements.

This is called Expert Mode, and it's both NEO's biggest limitation and its secret weapon.

How Expert Mode Works

1. You ask NEO to do something (via voice or the app)
2. NEO attempts the task autonomously using its World Model
3. If NEO gets stuck, a trained 1X operator takes over remotely
4. The operator completes the task while NEO records the interaction
5. This data trains NEO's AI, making future attempts more likely to succeed autonomously

Privacy Considerations

The obvious question: "Do I want a stranger seeing inside my home?"

1X has implemented several privacy controls:

• Room restrictions: Designate areas as off-limits to teleoperation
• Time restrictions: Set hours when Expert Mode is disabled
• Audio masking: Conversations can be blurred/muted
• Visual blurring: Sensitive areas can be obscured
• Background checks: All teleoperators are vetted
• Confidentiality agreements: Legal protections for your privacy

You can also opt out of having your data used to train 1X's models — though Børnich notes this may result in "more limited capabilities" during the early adoption phase.

Expected Autonomy Timeline

Børnich stated in January 2026: "I think sometime in 2026, we will be able to ship you something that is fully autonomous out of the box and does not actually require any human intervention except for yourself."

Real-World Home Use Cases: What Can NEO Actually Do?

Let's get practical. What would having a NEO in your home actually look like in 2026?

Tasks NEO Can Handle Autonomously (at launch)

• Basic navigation around your home
• Opening doors (standard handles)
• Operating light switches
• Simple object retrieval ("NEO, bring me my slippers")
• Wiping counters and surfaces
• Watering plants
• Tidying living spaces
• Answering questions (via integrated AI assistant)
• Playing music (built-in Bluetooth speaker)
• Greeting guests at the door

Tasks Requiring Expert Mode Support (initially)

• Cooking and food preparation
• Laundry (folding, ironing)
• Dishwasher loading/unloading
• Complex cleaning (vacuuming, mopping)
• Multi-step sequences
• Handling unfamiliar objects
• Pet care tasks

Use Case Deep Dive: Elderly Care

One of NEO's most compelling applications is aging-in-place assistance. For elderly individuals who want to maintain independence but need occasional help, NEO offers:

• Fall detection and response: NEO can recognize falls and alert family/emergency services
• Medication reminders: Voice reminders and can physically bring medication
• Mobility assistance: Can help with getting up, reaching items on high shelves
• Companionship: Conversation, entertainment, mental stimulation
• Remote family check-ins: Family can request NEO check on a loved one

At $20,000 (or $499/month), NEO costs less than many months of professional in-home care. For the right situations, the economics work.

For more on home applications: Complete Guide to Humanoid Robots for Home Use

1X NEO vs. Competitors: How Does It Stack Up?

Let's see how NEO compares to the other humanoids vying for your attention (and wallet).

1X NEO vs. Unitree R1

Verdict: The R1 is 70% cheaper but requires significant development to be useful. NEO is ready to work out of the box. If you're a researcher, get the R1. If you want a home helper, NEO is the better fit.

1X NEO vs. Tesla Optimus

Verdict: NEO is shipping to homes in 2026. Optimus is going to Tesla factories first. If you want a humanoid in your home this decade, NEO is your realistic option. Optimus may ultimately be more capable, but it's at least 18 months behind for consumer applications.

1X NEO vs. NEURA 4NE1 Home

Verdict: 4NE1 is an industrial-grade machine at nearly 6x the price. It has superior battery life and payload, but it's not designed for home use. Different products for different purposes.

For a complete ranking: 28 Best Humanoid Robots Ranked & Compared [2026]

Pros and Cons: Should You Buy the 1X NEO?

How to Pre-Order the 1X NEO

If you're ready to reserve your NEO, here's the process:

1. Visit 1x.tech/neo
2. Click "Order NEO" or "Reserve"
3. Pay the $200 refundable deposit
4. Choose your color (Tan, Gray, or Dark Brown)
5. Select purchase ($20,000) or subscription ($499/month) at delivery
6. Wait for delivery notification (expected late 2026)

Over 10,000 units have already been reserved according to 1X. The deposit is fully refundable if you change your mind.

You can also explore NEO options at: Robozaps NEO Product Page

1X NEO Frequently Asked Questions

How much does the 1X NEO cost?

The 1X NEO costs $20,000 USD for outright purchase or $499 per month for a subscription. Both options require a $200 refundable deposit to reserve. The subscription includes potential hardware upgrades as 1X iterates on the design.

When will NEO be delivered?

1X targets late 2026 for initial US deliveries. International shipping (Canada, Europe, select Asian markets) is planned for 2027. CEO Bernt Børnich has expressed confidence they'll deliver "fully autonomous" units sometime in 2026.

Is NEO fully autonomous?

Not at launch. 1X estimates 60-70% autonomous operation initially, with human "Expert Mode" teleoperation filling gaps. Autonomy is expected to reach 80-90% by 2027 and 95%+ by 2028 as the World Model AI improves through real-world learning.

Can teleoperation operators see inside my home?

Yes, when Expert Mode is active. However, 1X provides privacy controls: you can designate rooms/times as off-limits, enable audio masking and visual blurring, and opt out of data sharing. All operators undergo background checks and sign confidentiality agreements.

How does NEO compare to Tesla Optimus?

NEO is lighter (66 lbs vs 125 lbs), shipping sooner (2026 vs 2027+), and explicitly designed for consumer home use. Optimus is going to Tesla factories first. Price targets are similar ($20-30K range). NEO is the realistic choice for home use in 2026.

What tasks can NEO do?

At launch, NEO can autonomously navigate, open doors, operate light switches, retrieve objects, wipe surfaces, water plants, tidy rooms, answer questions, and greet guests. Complex tasks like cooking, laundry folding, and dishwasher loading require Expert Mode support initially.

How long does NEO's battery last?

NEO operates for 2-4 hours on a single charge depending on task intensity. It can autonomously return to its charging dock when battery is low. A full recharge takes approximately 2 hours.

Is NEO safe around children and pets?

NEO is designed with safety features: soft 3D lattice polymer exterior, rounded edges, lightweight 66 lb frame, and gentle tendon-drive movements. However, 1X recommends supervised operation around young children and pets during the early adoption phase.

What AI powers NEO?

NEO uses 1X's proprietary "World Model" AI trained on 1 million+ hours of video data. 1X is backed by OpenAI ($23.5M Series A2 investment in 2023). The AI enables NEO to learn new tasks from observation rather than explicit programming.

Can I buy NEO outside the United States?

Initial deliveries are US-only. Canada follows shortly after, with Europe and select Asian markets targeted for 2027. International pre-orders are accepted and will be fulfilled in order when regional availability opens.

The Bottom Line: Is the 1X NEO Worth It?

The 1X NEO represents something genuinely new: the first humanoid robot designed from the ground up for consumer homes, with real shipping dates and transparent pricing.

Is it perfect? No. The reliance on teleoperation, the 2-4 hour battery life, and the early-adopter nature of the product are all legitimate concerns. This is first-generation technology, and early buyers should expect some frustrations.

But here's the thing: someone has to be first. The early buyers of the original iPhone, Tesla Model S, and other transformative products took risks — and many would tell you it was worth being part of that journey.

If you:

• Have $20,000 to invest in bleeding-edge technology
• Are comfortable with a product that will improve over time
• Want practical help with household tasks
• Are excited to be part of the home robotics revolution

...then the 1X NEO is worth serious consideration.

If you want a polished, finished product that works flawlessly from day one, wait for NEO 2.0 in 2028.

Our recommendation: Put down the $200 deposit now — it's fully refundable. That locks in your place in line. You can decide closer to delivery whether to commit the full $20,000.

---

Related articles:

• 1X NEO Release Date, Rumors & Latest News
• Humanoid Robots for Home: Complete 2026 Guide
• 28 Best Humanoid Robots Ranked & Compared

Buy 1X NEO: Available at Robozaps

Last updated: February 2026 | Sources: 1X Technologies, CNET, TechCrunch, Business Insider, USA Today

1X Technologies Company Background

Understanding NEO requires understanding the company behind it. 1X Technologies (formerly Halodi Robotics) is a Norwegian robotics company founded in 2014, headquartered in Sunnyvale, California with R&D operations in Oslo, Norway.

Key Company Facts

• Founded: 2014 (as Halodi Robotics), rebranded to 1X Technologies in 2022
• Headquarters: Sunnyvale, California
• R&D Center: Oslo, Norway
• CEO: Bernt Børnich
• Employees: 100+ across both locations
• Total Funding: $125+ million

Notable Investors & Backing

1X has attracted serious capital from major technology players:

• OpenAI: $23.5 million Series A2 (January 2023) — OpenAI's first robotics investment
• EQT Ventures: Lead investor in multiple rounds
• Tiger Global: Series B participant
• Samsung Next: Strategic investor

The OpenAI connection is particularly significant. When the world's leading AI company makes its first-ever robotics investment, it signals confidence in the technology approach. 1X's World Model shares conceptual DNA with the multimodal AI systems OpenAI is famous for.

Previous Products: EVE

Before NEO, 1X developed EVE — a wheeled humanoid designed for security and facility management. EVE units have been deployed in commercial settings, giving 1X real-world operational experience before tackling the consumer market.

This matters because 1X isn't building their first robot. NEO benefits from lessons learned operating EVE in actual facilities.

The Bigger Picture: Home Robots in 2026

NEO arrives at an inflection point for home robotics. After decades of promises, we're finally seeing viable products:

• Robot vacuums (Roomba, Roborock) have normalized robots in homes
• Smart home systems created infrastructure for connected devices
• AI assistants (Alexa, Google Assistant) established voice control patterns
• Large language models made natural conversation possible
• Computer vision advanced to enable real-world navigation

NEO sits at the convergence of all these trends. It's not just a robot — it's a physical embodiment of AI assistance that can actually do things in the physical world.

The Next 5 Years

Industry analysts predict the home humanoid market will grow from essentially zero today to $10+ billion by 2030. NEO early adopters aren't just buying a robot — they're betting on an entirely new product category.

Whether 1X specifically succeeds or not, the fact that consumer humanoids are now shipping represents a paradigm shift. The home robot future we've been promised since The Jetsons is finally arriving.

Final Verdict: 1X NEO Review Score

Rather than assigning an arbitrary numerical score, let me tell you who should and shouldn't buy the 1X NEO:

Buy the 1X NEO if you:

• Want to be among the first to own a consumer humanoid robot
• Have $20,000 budget for experimental technology
• Would benefit from help with household tasks
• Are comfortable with privacy tradeoffs for teleoperation
• Understand this is first-generation technology
• Want to participate in shaping home robotics through feedback

Don't buy the 1X NEO if you:

• Expect a polished, flawless consumer appliance
• Need 100% autonomous operation
• Have strict privacy concerns about cameras in your home
• Want immediate international delivery (2027 for most countries)
• Need all-day battery life (2-4 hours won't suffice)
• Can't accept that some tasks will take minutes instead of seconds

The bottom line: NEO is real, it's shipping, and it represents a genuine breakthrough for consumer robotics. Whether you should buy one depends entirely on your risk tolerance and expectations. The $200 refundable deposit makes it easy to secure your place while you decide.

Welcome to the humanoid robot era.