In the rapidly advancing space of robotics, NEO is the star. This smart new domestic robot, created by progressive startup 1X, could revolutionize housework as we know it. NEO is still in deep alpha development. It’s supposed to be able to do a whole bunch of domestic chores, from folding the laundry to loading the dishwasher to cleaning up after dinner. NEO is able to fold T-shirts in 90 seconds flat. This remarkable ability is a testament to the progress being made in AI-powered domestic robots.
This year has been a big year for 1X, as they are working to deploy their NEO in homes around the country. The initial wave of customers will be getting their robot in the coming weeks. They must be willing to demonstrate some forbearance as the technology itself iterates toward improvement. Privacy worries in regard to this move have been quelled, with the promise that user data will be protected throughout the process.
NEO is making a big step forward thanks to a specialized robot glove developed by 1X. This pioneering attachment exponentially increases NEO’s artificial intelligence abilities. These advancements to NEO’s dexterity and body functionality are at the cutting edge of robotics. Human operators will directly train and improve NEO’s capabilities through active learning. They’ll accomplish this by remotely controlling it through virtual reality headsets, long range sensors and other tools. They will be controlling the robot as it performs jobs. Alongside that, they will train it to be flexible, able to adapt and learn from its experiences.
For all the advanced technology at its disposal, NEO has faced some bumps in the road. On the very first test run, it even managed to smash a wine glass while trying to pick up a piece of debris. As a result, it’s done some highly effective plant watering, drink retrieval, and dish/cup cleaning. Whether in guiding new, innovative uses or promoting its everyday use, these tasks may yet show ART’s potential.
Alongside NEO, other robots are leaving their impression on the domestic scene. Weave’s Isaac, which can autonomously fold clothes to be put in laundromats. This cutting-edge technology almost feels like a futuristic laundry service—but it’s here and ready to use today! Eggie by Tangible AI has recently demonstrated its talents for cleaning spills on kitchen countertops. This opportunity highlights just how important robots are to helping us maintain clean homes.
NEO has already proven its value back home with Bernt Børnich. Just ask the Norwegian CEO how much he appreciates its efficiency. For his home environment, automation integration was crucial. Børnich explained,
“We have a lot of data so a lot of the stuff in my home can get automated but periodically someone kind of steps in and helps.”
This surging enthusiasm for humanoid robots has been most pronounced in China, where the industry is booming at a record pace. Experts are warning that this rapid expansion is creating a recipe for a busting market bubble. Bipasha Sen, an influential leader in robotics innovation, stated her vision on anticipated demand,
“Today people have two aspirations – a car and a house. In the future they’ll have three aspirations – a car and house and a robot.”
Physical Intelligence recently entered the mix with its banana-performing, peanut butter-sandwich molding robotic hands. This highlights the incredible breadth of domestic tasks that robots can currently perform.
Elon Musk is confident that the robot market will be enormous. And he believes that there is a giant opportunity afoot. To that end, he argues his outsized compensation package is at least partially linked to the goal of having one million robots sold within a decade.
1X is preparing to launch a general-purpose version of NEO for homes this year. At the same time, enthusiasm for domestic robots is at an all-time high! Chelsea Finn, a leader in AI development, articulated her vision for future robotics:
“We want to be able to breathe intelligence into any sort of physical embodiment, whether that’s a humanoid robot or even something that looks closer to an appliance.”