Norwegian robotics startup 1X, backed by OpenAI, is preparing to take a significant step toward integrating humanoid robots into daily life. According to a TechCrunch report, the company plans to deploy its humanoid robot, Neo Gamma, into “a few hundred to a few thousand” homes by the end of the year for early testing.
Testing Neo Gamma in Real Homes
“Neo Gamma is going into homes this year. We want to invite early adopters in this year to help us develop this system. We want it to live and learn among people, and to do that, we need people to take Neo into their home and help us teach it how to behave,” said 1X CEO Bernt Børnich during the Nvidia GTC 2025 conference in San Jose, California.
However, these trials will still require teleoperators from 1X, who will have remote control over Neo Gamma’s limbs, indicating that the robot is not yet fully autonomous.
AI Development and Privacy Considerations
While Neo Gamma has been trained using AI models from OpenAI and Nvidia, 1X has independently developed the technology that enables it to walk and maintain balance.
Given that the humanoid robot will be placed in private homes, concerns about privacy have arisen. In response, 1X clarified that users will have control over when the robot can be monitored or assisted by human operators. The company aims to use real-world observations from these trials to refine its AI models further.
Neo Gamma’s Capabilities
Introduced in February 2025, Neo Gamma is 1X’s first bipedal humanoid robot designed for testing beyond its lab. The prototype features an AI model housed within a knitted nylon bodysuit, designed for safety.
During a demonstration at the GTC conference, the robot showcased its ability to perform basic household tasks like vacuuming and watering plants.
Growing Competition in Humanoid Robotics
1X is not alone in advancing humanoid robotics for home use. Rival startup Figure also announced similar testing plans in February. Additionally, OpenAI is reportedly developing its own humanoid robots.
Meanwhile, Tesla’s Optimus humanoid robot is expected to be ready for deployment by 2026, though it may begin operating on Tesla’s factory floors even earlier, as revealed during the company’s We Robot event last year.
With major players entering the humanoid robotics space, the race to integrate AI-powered robots into everyday life is accelerating.
