The ‘AI’ butler that isn’t AI: California startup unveils human-powered tech

California-based 1X Technologies has opened preorders for its robot assistant, Neo. The company says Neo will help consumers achieve a chore-free future.

A humanoid robot

Developers claim that Neo can perform routine household tasks, such as folding laundry, placing items on shelves, and cleaning rooms. The robot can be controlled by voice commands or an app, which lets users create to-do lists.

Neo stands about 170 centimeters tall and weighs just under 30 kilograms. It can operate for up to four hours on a single charge. Powered by built-in Redwood AI, Neo recognizes its owners’ faces, follows conversations, reminds them about appointments, and assists with scheduling or language learning.

Not yet autonomous

However, Neo is not yet fully autonomous. At launch, human operators will remotely control the robot. The company states that this is necessary for Neo’s AI to learn by observing humans and gradually perform tasks independently.

Preorders cost $20,000. Buyers must also sign up for a monthly subscription with a minimum six-month commitment. Shipments are scheduled to begin in 2026.

Mouthless doll

Neo quickly went viral online, triggering memes and debate about its design. Many users mocked its mouthless, fabric-covered face, calling it a stuffed doll or an “empty mask.”

Others criticized the company, speculating that remote operators will likely be low-wage workers from poorer countries.

They compared the situation to an episode of «Black Mirror,» where an office worker controls a robot to clean homes of the wealthy.