1X's NEO home robot hits the market

PLUS: Nike's robotic running shoes and Uber's 100k robotaxi fleet

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Gen AI Art
November 02, 2025 • Estimated Reading Time: 9 minutes

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Robotics startup 1X is taking a major step into the consumer market, opening preorders for its NEO humanoid robot. Priced at $20,000, the machine is designed to help with common household chores.

However, the robot isn't fully autonomous and still requires human teleoperation for certain tasks. This raises a key question: how will consumers balance the convenience of a home robot with the privacy implications of a remotely operated device in their personal space?

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What’s new? Robotics startup 1X has opened preorders for NEO, its $20,000 humanoid robot designed to assist with household chores like organizing shelves and folding laundry.

What matters?

  • Despite its autonomous capabilities for some chores, certain tasks still require remote human operators to puppeteer the robot, showing the technology's current limitations.

  • The launch generated major social media buzz but also raised valid privacy concerns from users about allowing a teleoperated device inside their homes.

  • NEO’s debut is the first major step into a consumer space that Morgan Stanley projects a $5T market for by 2050, setting the stage for future competition.

Why it matters?

This launch marks a significant milestone, moving humanoid robots from research concepts into the real-world consumer market. It establishes an important benchmark that will spur competition and speed up the development of more capable and accessible home robots.

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What’s new? Nike has unveiled Project Amplify, the world's first powered running system designed to act as a 'second set of calf muscles' and make running easier.

What matters?

  • The system targets recreational runners in the 10-12 minute mile range, with the goal of making uphill running feel like you are on flat ground.

  • This powered running system represents a major step for robotics in mainstream apparel, moving beyond passive gear to active assistance.

  • Don't expect to lace up a pair just yet, as a broad consumer launch for the technology is still years away.

Why it matters?

This launch highlights the growing expansion of robotics into mainstream consumer wellness and apparel. It signals a future where high-tech clothing doesn't just track our performance but actively enhances our physical abilities.

What’s new? Uber is partnering with NVIDIA to deploy a massive fleet of 100,000 autonomous robotaxis. The ambitious rollout is scheduled to begin in 2027.

What matters?

  • The scale of the deployment, 100,000 vehicles, signifies a move far beyond typical pilot programs into mass-market operation.

  • The fleet will be powered by NVIDIA's DRIVE AGX Hyperion 10 platform, a powerful system designed for autonomous vehicles.

  • This partnership sets a concrete timeline, with the first vehicles expected to hit the road starting in 2027.

Why it matters?

This move signals a major strategic bet by Uber on a vertically integrated hardware approach for full autonomy. It also solidifies NVIDIA's position as a foundational technology provider for the next generation of autonomous ride-hailing services.

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Everything else in AI

The Bot Company is reportedly closing a $250M funding round that would double the valuation of Cruise co-founder Kyle Vogt's new robotics startup to $4B.

Toyota unveiled its "Walk Me" concept, an autonomous wheelchair that uses tentacle-like legs to climb stairs and navigate uneven surfaces.

iRobot saw its shares plummet 33% after the Roomba maker revealed its last potential acquisition partner had walked away from a deal.

Uber plans to launch a premium robotaxi service in San Francisco in 2026, setting up a direct challenge to Waymo on its home turf.

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