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1X Technologies (formerly Halodi Robotics) has emerged as a pioneering force in humanoid robotics with their Neo android, representing a fundamental shift in how we approach embodied AI. Backed by industry giants like OpenAI and Andersen Horowitz, 1X is pursuing a vision of androids that are both exceptionally capable and inherently safe for human interaction.
This comprehensive profile examines Neo's technical specifications, unique design philosophy, impressive funding history, and how it differentiates itself in the increasingly competitive humanoid robotics landscape.
The 1X Philosophy: Safe and Useful Androids
Unlike many robotics companies that prioritize raw capability above all else, 1X Technologies has built their entire company around a dual mission: creating androids that are both safe and useful for everyday environments.
Safety-First Design
1X engineers Neo with human safety as the primary constraint. This manifests in multiple design choices:
- Inherently compliant actuators that yield on impact rather than resisting
- Soft robotics principles implemented throughout the design
- Force-limiting mechanisms that prevent dangerous levels of strength
- Conservative movement patterns that prioritize predictability
Usefulness in Real Environments
While safety constraints might limit maximum performance, 1X focuses on creating robots that can actually function in human environments:
- Human-like form factor to navigate spaces designed for people
- Dexterous manipulation capable of using human tools
- Energy efficiency enabling all-day operation
- AI integration that allows for natural interaction and learning
Design Philosophy in Action
While competitors focused on creating maximum performance, 1X Technologies asked: "How can we create robots that work safely alongside humans in everyday environments?" This fundamental question led to Neo's unique safety-first design that prioritizes human-robot collaboration over raw capability.
Neo Technical Specifications
The Neo humanoid represents the culmination of 1X's philosophy, balancing capability with safety in a remarkably advanced package.
| Feature | Specification | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 165 cm (5'5") | Optimized for human environments |
| Weight | 30 kg (66 lbs) | Lightweight composite materials |
| Payload Capacity | 5 kg per arm | Designed for safe human interaction |
| Battery Life | 2-4 hours continuous operation | Hot-swappable battery packs |
| Degrees of Freedom (DoF) | 7 per arm + bipedal locomotion | Precise manipulation and mobility |
| Sensors | Stereo cameras, depth sensing, microphone array | Comprehensive environmental awareness |
| Top Speed | 4 km/h (walking), 12 km/h (running) | Safe operating speeds around humans |
| Unique Feature | Inherent safety mechanisms | Compliant actuators, force limiting |
Funding History and Notable Investors
1X Technologies has attracted remarkable investment attention, particularly notable for a robotics company at their stage of development.
Series A2: $23.5 Million (2023)
Led by OpenAI's Startup Fund, with participation from Tiger Global and a consortium of Norwegian investors. This round specifically targeted scaling up production of their Eve robot and accelerating development of Neo.
Series B: $100 Million (2024)
Co-led by OpenAI and Andersen Horowitz, with significant participation from previous investors. This substantial round positioned 1X as one of the best-funded humanoid robotics companies globally.
Strategic Significance
OpenAI's involvement is particularly noteworthy, suggesting strong alignment between 1X's embodied AI approach and OpenAI's artificial general intelligence research. The investment represents a tangible manifestation of OpenAI's belief that embodiment is a crucial pathway toward advanced AI.
Investment Advantage
The backing from OpenAI and other top-tier investors provides 1X Technologies with not just capital but strategic advantages in AI development, talent acquisition, and industry partnerships that are difficult for competitors to match.
Target Markets and Applications
Enterprise Solutions
1X initially targets commercial applications where their safety-focused approach provides significant advantages:
- Light industrial tasks in human-populated environments
- Logistics and warehouse operations alongside human workers
- Retail assistance and customer service applications
- Security and monitoring with human-friendly interaction
Consumer Vision
Unlike most humanoid robotics companies focusing exclusively on industrial applications, 1X openly discusses eventual consumer applications:
- Domestic assistance for household tasks
- Elder care and physical support
- Companionship and social interaction
- Educational and learning facilitation
Competitive Differentiation
In a field increasingly crowded with well-funded competitors, 1X Technologies has carved out a distinctive position:
Neo vs. Tesla Optimus
While Optimus aims for low-cost, high-volume production, Neo focuses on safety-first design and human-robot collaboration, making it better suited for environments requiring close human interaction.
Neo vs. Boston Dynamics Atlas
Atlas is a breathtaking research platform showcasing extreme mobility. Neo is its pragmatic counterpart, built for safe everyday interaction rather than acrobatic performance.
Neo vs. Apptronik Apollo
The Apptronik Apollo humanoid focuses on industrial applications with its strength and endurance. As of 2025, Apollo has secured partnerships with major logistics companies and is being tested in warehouse environments. Neo differentiates with its emphasis on safety and consumer-oriented design approach.
Neo vs. Agility Digit
While Digit specializes in logistics with its unique leg design, Neo aims for broader applications with its human-like form and emphasis on safe human-robot collaboration in diverse environments.
Neo vs. Sanctuary AI Phoenix
Sanctuary AI's Phoenix emphasizes general-purpose intelligence and human-like dexterity, with a focus on cognitive capabilities. Neo differentiates with its more practical safety-first approach and stronger backing from AI leaders like OpenAI.
Neo vs. Unitree H1
The Unitree H1 prioritizes affordable high-performance robotics with impressive mobility. As of 2025, the H1 has become popular in research institutions for its open development platform. Neo offers a more polished, safety-focused alternative for commercial applications.
Neo's value proposition isn't being the most powerful or agile; it's about being the safest and most trustworthy in human environments. While competitors focus on specific niches like industrial strength (Apollo), logistics efficiency (Digit), general intelligence (Phoenix), or affordable performance (H1), 1X Technologies has positioned Neo as the ideal platform for human-robot collaboration across multiple domains.
The Future for 1X Technologies and Neo
1X's roadmap involves expanding Neo's capabilities through AI integration, particularly leveraging their relationship with OpenAI. Their focus remains on practical applications that demonstrate safe human-robot collaboration rather than speculative general-purpose functionality.
Development Roadmap
1X Technologies is focusing on three key areas for Neo's development: (1) Enhanced AI capabilities for more natural human-robot interaction, (2) Expanded manipulation skills for diverse tasks, and (3) Improved energy efficiency for all-day operation. The company plans to begin limited commercial trials in 2026, with broader availability targeted for 2027.
Frequently Asked Questions About 1X Technologies Neo
1X Neo distinguishes itself through its primary focus on safety and human interaction rather than maximum performance. While robots like Boston Dynamics' Atlas demonstrate spectacular athletic capabilities, Neo is designed specifically to operate safely around people, using compliant actuators and force-limiting mechanisms. This safety-first approach, combined with strong AI integration backed by OpenAI, positions Neo uniquely for applications requiring close human-robot collaboration.
OpenAI is both a major investor in and strategic partner to 1X Technologies. OpenAI led their Series A2 funding round and co-led their Series B. This relationship provides 1X with early access to OpenAI's AI research and models, while giving OpenAI a platform for testing and developing embodied AI applications. The partnership represents a significant endorsement of 1X's approach to safe, useful robotics.
1X Technologies has followed a gradual rollout strategy, beginning with their wheeled Eve robot in commercial settings before introducing the bipedal Neo. While the company has been relatively guarded about specific timelines, industry analysts expect initial commercial deployments of Neo in controlled environments by late 2025, with broader availability likely in 2026. Consumer applications are expected to follow enterprise deployments by several years.
Neo is designed for applications requiring safe human-robot interaction. Initial enterprise applications include light industrial tasks in human-populated environments, logistics operations alongside human workers, retail assistance, and security monitoring. Longer-term, 1X envisions consumer applications including domestic assistance, elder care, companionship, and educational facilitation. The robot's humanoid form factor allows it to navigate spaces designed for people and use human tools.
1X employs a hybrid approach to AI training for Neo. They combine simulation training with real-world data collection from their deployed Eve robots. This approach allows them to rapidly iterate on behaviors in simulation while validating performance in real environments. Their connection to OpenAI provides access to advanced AI models that can be adapted for physical tasks. Additionally, Neo is designed for continuous learning, allowing deployed robots to improve their capabilities over time based on actual experience.
Conclusion: The Thoughtful Approach to Humanoids
The 1X Technologies Neo represents a fundamentally different approach to humanoid robotics compared to many competitors. Where others pursue maximum performance or lowest cost, 1X has made safety and usefulness their guiding principles. This approach, combined with impressive funding and strategic partnership with OpenAI, positions them uniquely in the humanoid robotics landscape.
For a broader view of the humanoid landscape, explore our comprehensive guide on The State of Humanoid Robotics 2025
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