Updated
Updated · WIRED · Jul 9
1X Unveils Neo Robot Hands With 25 Degrees of Freedom, Pricing Early Access at $20,000
Updated
Updated · WIRED · Jul 9

1X Unveils Neo Robot Hands With 25 Degrees of Freedom, Pricing Early Access at $20,000

2 articles · Updated · WIRED · Jul 9

Summary

  • 1X detailed Neo’s new five-finger hands, saying the home robot can grip odd shapes, detect slipping objects and move with 25 degrees of freedom—close to the 27 in a human hand.
  • Tendon-like actuators, cameras and AI coordinate the fingers, while an IP68 waterproof rating and wide motion range are meant to let Neo handle household tasks such as opening doors, lifting objects and plugging itself in.
  • The company is pitching Neo as a soft, safe home companion rather than a defense-style humanoid, with limited early access priced at $20,000 upfront or $500 a month and lump-sum buyers prioritized for 2026 delivery.
  • Neo is still only partly autonomous: 1X says some demo videos show full automation, but others—including American Sign Language—were remotely operated through an 'Expert Mode' that lets human operators enter the loop.
  • That teleoperation feature sharpens privacy and security questions for an in-home robot, and 1X did not immediately answer how it would prevent bad actors or hackers from taking control.

Insights

Your home robot has a remote human driver. How can you be certain your privacy is truly protected?
Humanoids fail 88% of real-world tasks. Is buying one just paying to be a beta tester?
Why target unpredictable homes for robot training over more structured and profitable industrial settings?