1X struck a deal to send its ‘home’ humanoids to factories and warehouses
1X Strikes a Deal to Send Humanoid Robots to Factories and Warehouses
In a significant development, robotics company 1X has announced a strategic partnership with EQT, a large Swedish multi-asset investor, to make thousands of its humanoid robots available to EQT's portfolio companies. This deal involves shipping up to 10,000 1X Neo humanoid robots between 2026 and 2030 to EQT's more than 300 portfolio companies, with a concentration on manufacturing, warehousing, logistics, and other industrial use cases.
A Shift in Focus for 1X's Humanoid Robots
This partnership is particularly interesting because 1X's Neo has been marketed as a humanoid for personal use and tagged as the "first consumer-ready humanoid robot designed to transform life at home." However, unlike some of 1X's peers, like Figure, it has not been marketed as a bot for commercial purposes. 1X does have a robot designed for industrial purposes, Eve Industrial, but this deal specifically involves the Neo humanoid.
The Industrial Use Case
The deal is quite a different use case from the one 1X initially marketed its Neo for. Humanoids for the home will remain a hard sell for quite some time, while industrial use cases are an easier sell. The $20,000 price tag automatically limits the potential pool of consumer customers too. The Neo specifically also comes with a privacy element that would be hard to swallow for many people – human operators from 1X are able to look through the robots' eyes into someone's home.
Addressing Safety Concerns
Humanoids also come with potential safety issues around pets and small children due to their size and instability. Multiple VCs and scientists in the robotics field told TechCrunch this summer that humanoid adoption wouldn't be for multiple years, if not a decade away. However, in the industrial setting, these concerns are mitigated, and the robots can be designed to operate safely and efficiently.
The Benefits of Humanoid Robots in Industry
The use of humanoid robots in industry can bring numerous benefits, including increased productivity, improved safety, and enhanced flexibility. Humanoid robots can perform tasks that are difficult or impossible for humans, such as working in hazardous environments or performing repetitive tasks. They can also be designed to work alongside humans, improving collaboration and communication.
The Partnership with EQT
The partnership with EQT is a significant milestone for 1X, demonstrating the company's commitment to delivering innovative solutions to industry. EQT's portfolio companies will have access to 1X's humanoid robots, enabling them to improve their operations and stay competitive in their respective markets. The partnership also highlights the growing interest in humanoid robots in industry, with companies recognizing the potential benefits of these technologies.
The Future of Humanoid Robots
The partnership with EQT is just the beginning for 1X's humanoid robots. As the company continues to develop and refine its technology, we can expect to see humanoid robots being used in a wide range of industries, from manufacturing and logistics to healthcare and education. The future of humanoid robots is exciting and full of possibilities, and 1X is at the forefront of this revolution.
Conclusion
The partnership between 1X and EQT is a significant development in the field of humanoid robots, demonstrating the growing interest in these technologies in industry. The use of humanoid robots in industry can bring numerous benefits, including increased productivity, improved safety, and enhanced flexibility. As the company continues to develop and refine its technology, we can expect to see humanoid robots being used in a wide range of industries, transforming the way we work and live.
Forward-Looking Thoughts
The partnership between 1X and EQT is just the beginning of a new era in humanoid robots. As the technology continues to evolve, we can expect to see humanoid robots being used in even more industries, transforming the way we work and live. The future of humanoid robots is exciting and full of possibilities, and 1X is at the forefront of this revolution.
