California-based artificial intelligence and robotics company 1X has begun taking pre-orders for its humanoid robot Neo. It was designed to automate everyday tasks and is available for purchase outright or on a monthly subscription.
California-based artificial intelligence and robotics company 1X has begun taking pre-orders for its humanoid robot Neo. It was designed to automate everyday tasks and is available for purchase outright or on a monthly subscription.
Users will be able to control Neo and instruct it to perform household chores with the push of a button or a voice command, Engadget reports.
When it starts shipping next year, it will be able to perform basic tasks on its own, including opening doors, fetching items, and turning lights on or off. However, if early buyers want Neo to be able to perform more specific or complex tasks, they will need an operator who can remotely control the robot and see everything that is happening in their homes.
1X CEO Bernd Bornich explained that the artificial intelligence neural network that controls the machine still needs to learn from more real-world examples. Bornich said that anyone who buys the Neo, which will be delivered next year, will have to accept that a person will be able to see inside their homes through the robot’s camera. This is necessary to train the machines and collect training data so that they can eventually perform tasks autonomously.
«If we don’t have your data, we can’t improve the product,» he said.
Owners will have access to an app where they can schedule when a remote operator can take control of NEO and specify the task they want the machine to perform. The company can blur images of people so the remote operator can’t see them, and owners can mark off-limits areas in their homes where the operator can’t enter.
Operators also can’t take control of NEO without the owner’s consent. Of course, there are always potential security breaches to think about — Bornich at least assured that NEO has multiple layers of security to prevent harm to people.
The 1X NEO is available in beige, gray, and dark brown. It can be pre-ordered now on the company’s website for a $200 deposit. Those who want early access can purchase it for $20,000, but it will also be available on a $499 per month subscription.
