1X, a Norwegian robotics company backed by OpenAI, has introduced its latest humanoid robot, the Neo Gamma, an advanced AI-controlled robot designed for home assistance. This follows the earlier release of the Neo Beta model six months ago, which the company claimed was undergoing home trials. Neo Gamma brings a range of improvements, with its initial promo video demonstrating its capabilities in everyday domestic tasks such as boiling the kettle, vacuuming floors, carrying groceries, and even cleaning windows.
The upgraded robot features several aesthetic enhancements, including a new colour scheme in beige that aims to provide a softer and safer presence in a home environment. The design also incorporates LED "emotive" ear rings that light up during interactions, aimed at improving communication with users. Neo Gamma has received technical upgrades as well, allowing for more natural movements, such as arm swings and a smoother walking gait. It can now sit in a chair and manipulate objects that it has not previously encountered, thanks to its improved visual manipulation model.
The launch video, while highlighting Neo Gamma's various functions, has drawn mixed reactions from viewers. One YouTuber likened it to a scene from a horror movie, a sentiment echoed by others who suggested the robot’s presence could feel unsettling. The video depiction shows the couple it serves generally ignoring Neo Gamma, with moments of interaction being sparse and minimal. As the robot cleans and prepares meals, it is often seen working in isolation, culminating in a moment of it sitting alone on a couch while its human companions enjoy a meal in another room.
Despite currently being a prototype, 1X aims to have Neo Gamma autonomously performing chores in customers' homes by the end of the decade. The robot is actively under trial through select home placements, reinforcing the company's vision of integrating humanoids into everyday life. CEO Bernt Børnich expressed a commitment to the development of robots that learn and adapt to human environments, stating, “For humanoid robots to truly integrate into everyday life, they must be developed alongside humans, not in isolation.”
As it stands, Neo Gamma has not yet been priced or given a delivery date, but potential customers can join a waitlist to express interest in the prototype. The company continues to pursue innovation in robotics, aiming to create a future where domestic tasks can be smoothly handled by AI companions, enhancing everyday life whilst bridging the gap between humans and machines.
Source: Noah Wire Services