1X Opens Factory To Produce Neo Soft Humanoid Robots
Credit: 1x.tech
Norwegian startup 1X Technologies has opened a 5,000-square-meter factory in California. The new facility will become the center for mass production of humanoid robots. Unlike industrial robots, 1X’s developments are aimed at the consumer market and household assistance.
Construction was completed in just a few months. The company expects to produce 10,000 robots in the first year, and 100,000 by the end of 2027. The company is currently completing construction of an even larger facility in San Carlos, California. 1X expects to ship the first units by the end of this year. Last summer, the startup relocated from Norway to Palo Alto, and is now moving to San Carlos because its current premises have become too small.
Neo, a humanoid robot with a soft surface, is currently available for pre-order at $20,000. It can assist with household chores, such as folding laundry and cleaning. It also speaks and learns new skills over time. The manufacturer hopes that Neo will one day care for the elderly. 1X has raised $123.5 million in funding, led by EQT Ventures, which plans to deploy 10,000 of these robots across its other companies.
The launch of a California factory is strategically important for the United States, as Chinese firms currently dominate the humanoid robot segment.
Last year, the majority of the 13,000 robots of this type shipped worldwide were manufactured in China. By moving its headquarters to Palo Alto, 1X Technologies is attempting to create a powerful American manufacturing hub to compete not only with Chinese giants but also with projects like Tesla’s Optimus.
