Introducing NEO: The Humanoid Robot Revolutionizing Domestic Life
In a world where technology continuously evolves, 1X has emerged with an exceptional product: NEO, the first consumer-ready humanoid robot poised to change home life forever. Launching for pre-order on October 28, 2025, NEO is designed to automate everyday chores while providing personalized assistance. Imagine a household where mundane tasks are managed by a robot, freeing you to spend quality time with family or focus on the priorities that matter most.
Bernt Børnich, CEO and Founder of 1X, describes NEO as a bridge between imagination and reality: “Humanoids were long a thing of sci-fi… but today with the launch of NEO humanoid robots become a product that you and I can reach out and touch.” This innovation embodies not just a technical achievement but a revolution in the way we live in our homes.
NEO Takes Care of Your Chores
How many times have you wished for an extra pair of hands around the house? NEO is equipped with a Chores feature that lets you assign a variety of tasks from folding laundry to organizing shelves, all while you relax or work just a few steps away! You can schedule chores at your convenience or use a vocal command to direct NEO in real-time, transforming everyday domestic responsibilities into manageable snippets of time.
For tasks that are outside of NEO’s current repertoire, you can bring in a 1X Expert to guide NEO through them. This feature allows for continuous learning, so that your companion not only assists you today but grows in capability over time.
Intelligent Interaction at Home
NEO’s intelligence will change the way you interact with technology. Built with a large language model (LLM), this robot offers an engaging conversational ability that provides knowledge and utility without needing screens. With its Audio Intelligence, NEO listens only when prompted, ensuring it’s an unobtrusive addition to your family.
The Visual Intelligence feature enables NEO to understand its environment. For instance, it can recognize various ingredients you have available and suggest delicious dishes to whip up on a busy night. With memory capabilities, NEO can keep track of past interactions, such as remembering your important dates and helping you manage your grocery list effectively.
Autonomous Operations with Learning Capabilities
NEO isn’t static; it’s an evolving companion capable of learning new skills as you continue using it at home. Initially, NEO will manage basic yet essential functions, like fetching items or turning off the lights, but its potential only grows with time and software updates. Thanks to its advanced AI framework, it adapts to whatever challenges your home environment throws its way.
Cutting-Edge Hardware Design
The technology behind NEO is impressive, to say the least. At its core, the robot features 1X’s patented Tendon Drive, the highest-torque density motor system ensuring smooth and safe interactions. With human-level dexterity and a light frame of just 66 pounds, NEO can lift substantial weights while still being quieter than many household appliances.
This revolutionary hardware includes integrated communications that give NEO Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and 5G capabilities, along with a compact mobile entertainment system right within its structure. Its sleek and consumer-friendly design allows NEO to seamlessly blend into your home without being a visual distraction.
Pre-order Availability and Options
1X has made NEO available for pre-order starting at $20,000. For early adopters, this includes priority delivery expected in 2026. In addition to a one-time purchase, a subscription option is available at just $499 per month—making it easier than ever to access cutting-edge technology without the upfront investment.
Government Opportunities for Small Businesses
For many service providers, especially Small and Medium Businesses (SMBs) interested in government contracts, NEO represents a leap toward advanced technology integration. If you’re currently interacting with U.S. government agencies or consider serving as a contractor, adopting smart technologies like NEO can enhance operational efficiency.
Government programs offer various benefits to minority-owned, women-owned, or veteran-owned businesses, ultimately providing a supporting framework for growth. By utilizing automated solutions within your company, your business could not only thrive in competitive sectors but secure contracts by demonstrating reliance on innovative technology.
At Select GCR, we assist SMBs in leveraging such innovations. Our resources can guide you through obtaining necessary certifications for programs like (8)a, VOSB, SDVOSB, WOSB and HUBZone. Visit our resources page to find guidance tailored to your needs.
Robotic automation is all the buzz lately yet what is the counter-argument?
Understanding Automation and Its Impact on the Future Workforce
Amazon, the second-largest employer in the U.S., currently counts around 1.5 million workers among its ranks. Over the past few years, this giant has significantly increased its workforce, hiring hundreds of thousands of new employees as it has adapted to market demands. However, recent internal documents reveal a troubling trend: Amazon might replace up to 600,000 jobs with robots, aiming to limit new hires for U.S. warehouses to just 160,000 by 2027. While automation has the potential to boost efficiency and cut costs, it also raises concerns about job security in an already tense labor market.
The march towards automation isn’t unique to Amazon. It’s a broader trend reshaping industries across the board. And it’s important for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) engaged with or aspiring to serve the U.S. government to be aware of these changes. Automation could affect service demand, leading to a shift in how government contracts are awarded and services are provided.
What’s Happening at Amazon?
In November 2022, it was reported that Amazon planned to cut as many as 30,000 corporate jobs across various departments, including human resources and technology services (6). While some may view this through a lens of dread, seeing automation as a threat to work, it’s essential to recognize that history suggests innovation tends to create new opportunities, even if it disrupts existing jobs.
Warren Buffett, the renowned investor, has addressed this very concern. He argues that automation doesn’t detract from prosperity; rather, it drives economic growth and job creation in new areas. For example, when tractors replaced manual labor on farms, it did eliminate some jobs, but it also led to new opportunities in other sectors. He noted, “We find ways in this economy to employ more and more people”.
Preparing for Automation
For SMBs, especially those involved in government contracting, adapting to this shift is key. Here are practical steps you can take:
1. Stay Informed: Understanding trends in automation, particularly how it affects your sector, is crucial. Our resource on Government Contracting Basics can help you grasp the basics and anticipate changes.
2. Financial Planning: Ensure you have an emergency fund that covers three to six months of expenses. This financial buffer will provide peace of mind as your business navigates changes in automation and its effects on contracts.
3. Upskill Your Workforce: Investing in extended training can shield your business from layoffs due to automation. Explore resources like our Training Programs designed to upskill employees in relevant areas.
4. Diversify Services: With automation on the rise, diversifying the services you offer can safeguard your business. Check out our insights on Expanding Your Business Scope.
5. Look for Government Support: Programs are available to help small businesses adapt to economic changes, particularly for veteran-owned, women-owned, or minority-owned businesses. Our page on Government Assistance for Small Businesses can guide you through offerings you may qualify for.
The Human Element in Automation
While the shift towards greater automation may seem alarming, historical perspectives suggest that a balance can be found. Just as tractors revolutionized agriculture, so too can automation enhance productivity in various sectors, including government contracting. Companies that adapt by providing training for roles that focus on working alongside technology like machine maintenance will be better positioned in the next economy.
Government Contracting Dynamics
If your SMB is already engaged with the government or aims to be, it’s important to be aware that agencies are continuously evolving their expectations. The shift towards automation can change how contracts are awarded and how performance is measured. Networking with government agencies could provide insights into adapting better.
Warren Buffett’s Insight on Economic Resilience
During a shareholder meeting, Buffett emphasized the importance of innovation in maintaining job levels, stating that the economy ultimately adapts and finds new ways to employ individuals, even with technology taking over specific jobs. By understanding and navigating these changes proactively, businesses can thrive rather than just survive.
Conclusion
The advent of humanoid robots like NEO and automation like Amazon it’s more than an exciting development in technology; it’s an invitation to reimagine what our home and work life can be. By enhancing efficiency in simple daily tasks, family members can spend more vital time together while ensuring smoother days.
We at Select GCR are here to support your business as you consider integrating cutting-edge technologies into your routine. Whether you’re eyeing government contracts or simply looking to streamline operations, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. We provide tailored resources that can elevate your business, ensuring you’re ahead in the evolving marketplace.
Sources:
1. Business Wire. (2025, October 28). 1X launches NEO humanoid robot.
2. U.S. Small Business Administration
3. Select GCR. Government Contracting Resources.
4. Yahoo Finance. (2025) Amazon may replace 600K jobs with robots — but here’s why Warren Buffett argues Americans shouldn’t fear automation
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