For those tired of folding laundry or fumbling for the light switch, help in humanoid form is up for preorder. Based in Silicon Valley, Norwegian-American 1X Technologies is preparing to launch NEO, a 5’6″ (1.68-m) AI-powered robot designed to handle domestic chores ranging from dishwashing to fetching items.
Set to arrive in early 2026, NEO will retail for US$20,000 or be available via a $499 monthly subscription. Buyers can choose from three understated shades—tan, gray, or dark brown—and preorders are now open with a $200 deposit.
NEO’s abilities grow with software updates and are managed through a companion app, allowing users to assign tasks, schedule them, and monitor the robot’s progress remotely. Equipped with a facial camera and powered by Audio and Visual Intelligence, NEO can recognize voices, identify ingredients, and adapt its behavior over time. For tasks outside its repertoire, owners can book a session with a 1X expert to guide the robot through new routines—bringing the sci-fi dream of a helpful humanoid one step closer to reality.
Whether or not you remain skeptical about robots and artificial intelligence becoming part of the domestic landscape, their presence is no longer theoretical. From plating meals to simply standing guard, machines are taking human chores into their, well, hands!
Check out the gallery and try not to think too hard about the jobs they’re replacing.