Norwegian robotics company 1X has revealed its latest humanoid robot, Neo Gamma, following the debut of its predecessor, Neo Beta, in August last year. Designed as a prototype for real-world testing, Neo Gamma is being developed to perform everyday household chores, including making coffee, doing laundry, and vacuuming. Unlike its previous iterations, Neo Gamma is set to move beyond controlled lab environments and into limited in-home trials. However, 1X emphasises that despite this advancement, the robot is still far from mass production and widespread deployment.

The Challenges of Home Robotics

Creating a truly functional home robot remains a significant challenge. While robotic vacuum cleaners from companies like iRobot have gained mainstream success, more advanced humanoid robots have struggled to break into the consumer market. The technology required to make these robots practical and efficient is still in development.

Introducing NEO Gamma.
Another step closer to home. pic.twitter.com/Fiu2ohbIiP

— 1X (@1x_tech) February 21, 2025

The Road Ahead: Practicality, Affordability, and Safety

For home robots to be successful, they must be practical, affordable, and reliable while maintaining a high level of safety. This is particularly crucial as one of the key applications for humanoid robots is in elder care. With ageing populations on the rise, robotics could play a vital role in enabling independent living for older adults.