Humanoid revolution: 1X's NEO Beta set for year-end testing
The company 1X is starting the production of humanoid robots. NEO Beta, as the machine is called, is ultimately intended to assist with household chores. The first tests of the new robot are scheduled for the end of this year.
A few years ago, artificial intelligence or humanoid robots could be seen in the cinema by going to a science-fiction film. Today, it is our reality. AI is penetrating our lives whether we like it or not.
The Norwegian company 1X is taking it a step further. For years, it has been the dream of its CEO, Bernt Øyvind Børnich, to construct a humanoid robot that can assist people at work. His ambitious project is now entering the final phase of testing.
- Our priority is safety. Safety is the cornerstone that allows us to confidently introduce NEO Beta into homes, where it will gather essential feedback and demonstrate its capabilities in real-world settings. This year, we are deploying a limited number of NEO units in selected homes for research and development purposes. Doing so means we are taking another step toward achieving our mission - said Bernt Børnich, CEO of 1X.
The company presented a short video featuring the humanoid robot prototype. The video shows the silhouette of NEO Beta, which has been designed to resemble a human. The robot stands on two legs and has two arms, each ending with five fingers. Its "insides" are covered by a suit. An LCD screen is installed in place of the robot's head.
According to the specifications provided by the manufacturer, NEO Beta is 165 cm tall and weighs about 30 kg. The machine can carry a maximum load of up to 20 kg and moves at a speed of about 4 km/h, although it can "run" to reach a speed of up to 12 km/h. The operating time on a fully charged battery ranges from two to four hours.
The robot moves quite efficiently. In the video, we see that it is capable of picking up a backpack from the ground and handing it to a person. The manufacturer assures that at any time its owner can take control and issue commands or remotely take over the operation.
The first tests of NEO Beta are to take place by the end of this year. The robot needs to "gain experience". Its creators will be able to draw conclusions, fix all defects, and, if successful, begin mass production and sales of the new household aid in the near future.
