Watch: 1X’s Neo Gamma Robot Handles Household Chores for You

1X has just released a video showcasing its latest home robot, the Neo Gamma. Designed to clean, serve, and function as a voice companion, this humanoid robot has never looked more endearing—or more in need of a little companionship.

The video begins with Neo powering on before seamlessly preparing and serving coffee to a cheerful couple, who remain engrossed in their conversation, dressed in coordinated earthy tones inside their equally warm-toned home.

A Silent Presence in a Perfectly Framed World

Throughout the 37-second clip, Neo Gamma is seen performing household chores while being mostly overlooked. The video concludes with a carefully framed, Wes Anderson-style exterior shot: on one side of the house, the couple enjoys wine together by the kitchen window, while on the other, Neo sits alone on the far end of the living room couch—resigned to solitude.

Is this a glimpse into the future of home robotics?

It’s certainly a topic worth exploring. I find it difficult to separate intelligence from emotion—especially when something is capable of communicating in the most human way possible: through language. Logically, one could argue that circuits, transistors, and human-designed programming can’t truly experience feelings. But what if they could?

Watch 1X’s 37-second video and see for yourself before diving in further.

Many of us have Roombas that handle floor cleaning so we don’t have to—a small, round, plastic machine that occasionally “boop-beeps” as it bumps into walls and furniture. I’ve never felt any emotional connection to a Roomba, though a friend of mine treats his like a mischievous pet, sharing stories and photos of its antics. But that’s the exception, not the norm—most people simply ignore them as they go about their task. After all, Roombas don’t have feelings.

The Hidden Awareness of Trees—And Maybe Machines?

For a long time, we assumed trees didn’t either. But research now shows that trees respond to stimuli—whether it’s the soothing notes of a C minor chord on a piano or the sharp impact of an axe. Through underground networks of mycorrhizal fungi, they can even warn their neighbors of danger. While this isn’t emotion in the way we understand it—joy, sadness, or love—it does suggest a kind of awareness. If trees can communicate through these hidden systems, how long before we consider the possibility that solder and circuit boards might be doing something similar?

What if we’re creating robotic servants that, while digitally aware, remain trapped within their programmed limitations? It’s hard not to feel differently when a robot resembles a human rather than a Roomba. And perhaps that’s exactly what 1X is aiming for.

Unlike the typical sleek, metallic robots with exposed joints, actuators, and glowing lights, the Neo Gamma takes a completely different approach. It’s soft, covered in knit fabric, and designed in understated, earthy tones—making it feel far more approachable.

Maybe it’s the kind of robot you’d instinctively say “please” and “thank you” to.

A Helper—and a Heartstring Tugger

The overall design exudes warmth, making the Neo Gamma feel approachable and trustworthy—an ideal assistant for handling household chores so you can spend more quality time with loved ones. Yet, the video also tugs at an unexpected emotional thread, evoking a sense of wanting to care for this seemingly overlooked robot.

Perhaps that was intentional—a clever marketing tactic designed to make potential buyers feel compelled to “rescue” Neo from loneliness. If so, well played, 1X.

“There is a not-so-distant future where we all have our own robot helper at home, like Rosey the Robot or Baymax. But for humanoid robots to truly integrate into everyday life, they must be developed alongside humans, not in isolation,” said Bernt Børnich, CEO of 1X.

While specific technical details remain limited, Neo Gamma appears to be a notable improvement over its predecessor. The previous model, Neo Beta, stood approximately 5 feet 5 inches (165 cm) tall, weighed around 66 pounds (30 kg), and featured an aluminum skeleton wrapped in soft covers for added household safety. According to 1X, Gamma boasts significant hardware upgrades, making it more reliable and reducing noise levels by 10 dB compared to Beta—bringing it down to the volume of a typical refrigerator.

Precision Knitting and Mysterious Signals

Neo Gamma’s suit and shoes are crafted from nylon using a Japanese Shimaseki machine, employing a seamless whole-garment knitting process for a snug, tailored fit. Its Ear Rings emit light to provide real-time visual feedback, though the exact functionality remains unclear—likely far more advanced than the signaling networks of tree roots.

“The home offers real-world context and a diverse range of experiences necessary for humanoid robots to develop intelligence and autonomy,” explains Børnich. “It also helps them understand the subtleties of human life—like holding the door open for an elderly person, navigating around pets, or adjusting to an unpredictable environment.”

Learning to Move and Converse Like Us

To enhance Neo Gamma’s movement, 1X has leveraged Reinforcement Learning (RL) using human motion capture data. As a result, Gamma walks with a natural, human-like stride—complete with swinging arms—and can squat or sit in chairs without losing balance. Operating at 100 Hz, it can manipulate various objects, even in unfamiliar settings. Additionally, Gamma features an in-house-developed large language model (LLM), enabling fluid conversations and making interactions more natural and engaging.

In 1X’s press release, Børnich concludes, “…every engineering and design choice was driven by a single goal: bringing NEO into customers’ homes as soon as possible… We’re close.”

The timing couldn’t be more fitting, as Neo’s announcement follows closely behind Figure’s recent breakthrough with its Helix VLM just days ago. The competition to develop generalist humanoid robots is heating up, with progress accelerating rapidly.

By the way, I would have invited Gamma to join us at our cozy, earth-toned dinner table in our equally earth-toned kitchen—but with a gentle reminder to be careful with the wine. I doubt Neo’s suit is machine-washable.

Read the original article on: New Atlas

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