Norwegian Startup 1X Technologies Aims to Bring Humanoid Robots into Homes

Published on April 12, 2025, by Pratyush Thakur

In an ambitious move to redefine domestic helper roles, the Norwegian robotics startup 1X Technologies is focusing on developing fully autonomous bipedal robots designed for home use. This promising initiative has garnered substantial attention, backed by significant investment and potential implications for the future of household automation.

Financial Backing

1X Technologies, which was established in 2015 under the name Halodi Robotics and underwent rebranding in 2023, has successfully raised approximately $140 million from various investors. Notable backers include EQT Ventures, Tiger Global, and Samsung NEXT. Morgan Stanley has identified 1X as a key player likely to disrupt the burgeoning humanoid market as consumer demand grows.

“While 1X and many other humanoid developers are currently private, we do not believe it is too early for public investors to play the theme,” an analyst from Morgan Stanley remarked.

The Humanoid Robot NEO

The flagship product of 1X Technologies, known as NEO, is designed to assist with everyday household tasks such as washing dishes, doing laundry, and cleaning floors. The latest version, NEO Gamma, which was unveiled in February, features enhancements like a more human-like walking pattern, advanced conversational capabilities through a proprietary language model, and improved safety features to navigate domestic environments more effectively.

1X Technologies plans to expand its testing phase, with plans to deploy NEO in hundreds, possibly thousands, of households by the end of 2025. This phase aims to refine and train the in-house artificial intelligence models driving the robot's functionality.

Innovative Approach

1X Technologies adopts a vertically integrated strategy in its development process. The company is committed to designing and producing both the hardware and software needed for its humanoid robots. This includes unique tendon-inspired actuators and a proprietary "World Model" simulation engine used in its AI system.

Additionally, 1X has announced an expanded research partnership with Nvidia, showcased during the 2025 GTC conference, further underscoring its commitment to innovation in robotics.

Competition in the Humanoid Sector

1X Technologies is not alone in the pursuit of domestic humanoid robots. Tesla is also actively developing its version, the Optimus, which is still in the testing phase but is expected to be available for consumers sometime soon, as indicated by CEO Elon Musk.

The Future of Humanoid Robots at Home

As 1X Technologies prepares for its wide-scale testing, the company is poised to significantly impact how households utilize robotic assistance. Analysts anticipate that if successful, humanoid robots like NEO could become common fixtures in households, blending seamlessly into daily life.

In summary, with its notable funding and innovative technology, 1X Technologies is setting the stage for a future where humanoid robots could soon become an integral part of home life, changing the landscape of household chores forever.