PREVIEW

A humanoid A.I-powered home-help robot is set to be tested in homes.

Norway and Silicon Valley based robotics firm 1X has unveiled its latest humanoid robot, Neo Gamma. It is designed to assist with household chores while blending seamlessly into domestic settings.

Wrapped in a beige, 3D-knitted bodysuit, the robot aims to fit into homes with its minimalist appearance.

Neo Gamma boasts a more Scandinavian-inspired design and is equipped to perform tasks such as vacuuming, tidying, and doing the laundry.

The robot’s integrated artificial intelligence system enables it to approximate human speech and body language, enhancing its ability to interact with users.

Neo Gamma's humanoid frame includes advanced audio and communication features. It has four microphones for audio capture and a speaker system with one speaker in the chest for AI voice interaction and two in the pelvis for bass, sound effects, and music. To improve communication, 1X has added "emotive ear rings" on the sides of the robot's head, which light up to indicate when it is speaking or listening.

The robot has been trained using human motion capture data, allowing it to walk with a natural gait, swing its arms, squat, and sit in chairs. Images released by 1X show Neo Gamma performing everyday household tasks, such as preparing coffee and vacuuming floors. Its multi-jointed hands, which mimic human tendon movement, are controlled by elastic motors and encased in soft covers for additional safety.

While the Neo Gamma is still a prototype, the company plans to begin limited in-home testing.
The soft, knitted nylon covering serves both aesthetic and practical purposes. It reduces potential injuries from robot-to-human contact and helps lower the robot's operating noise to about the same level as a refrigerator, according to 1X.

A significant factor in Neo Gamma’s advanced capabilities lies in the firm’s partnership with OpenAI. Following an investment from OpenAI in 2023, 1X has developed an in-house large language model to enable more natural conversation and human-like behaviour.

A promotional video released by 1X offers a glimpse into how Neo Gamma might function in a home setting. The footage shows the robot quietly performing chores while the human occupants engage in everyday activities, largely ignoring its presence.

As 1X continues to refine Neo Gamma through real-world testing, the robot represents both the potential and the challenges of bringing humanoid assistants into the home.