1X Technologies has recently announced the launch of NEO Gamma, a robot designed to seamlessly integrate into home life. Unlike traditional industrial robots that focus on executing specific tasks, NEO Gamma can move and interact in a home environment much like a human. The company is currently conducting internal tests to evaluate its performance in everyday household tasks.
The CEO of 1X Technologies, Bernt Børnich, stated that a dedicated robotic assistant for every household will soon become a reality. He emphasized that the key to integrating humanoid robots into daily life lies in focusing on human interaction during the development process, rather than limiting it to labs or factories. The authenticity of the home environment allows robots to learn skills like opening doors, avoiding pet disturbances, and quickly adapting to changes in their surroundings. Compared to robots developed solely for industrial settings, the NEO Gamma possesses practicality that is much closer to home life.
This robot features a versatile full-body control system that allows it to move with a natural, human-like gait and even simulate arm movements. Additionally, the NEO Gamma can now squat to pick up items and sit steadily on a chair. These movements are executed at a high frequency of 100Hz and are trained using reinforcement learning combined with real human motion capture data, making its actions even more lifelike.
When it comes to object manipulation, the NEO Gamma has significantly boosted its capabilities. Its built-in visual operating model can autonomously identify and grasp various items in environments that require no special training. By leveraging neural networks, the robot can predict and perform complex actions based on raw sensory data.
Additionally, 1X Technologies has developed a large language model (LLM) for NEO Gamma, enabling robots to communicate with humans through natural language and interact with gestures. The "Partner Mode" feature even allows for voice communication, enhancing the human-robot interaction experience.
The design of NEO Gamma has undergone multiple improvements to ensure that the robot blends more seamlessly into the home environment. The company has crafted a brand-new head shape to evoke a sense of "comfort and familiarity," while its knitted jacket and shoes are produced through 3D printing with Japanese Shemiseki machinery, employing a one-piece molding technique for a fitted yet fluid movement.
When it comes to safety, the NEO Gamma features a unique "Tendon-Driven System" that controls joint movement, wrapped in soft materials to reduce collision risks, which is quite different from the electric drive systems commonly used in other industrial robots. Additionally, the robot is equipped with "Emotional Ear Cuffs," providing instant feedback to make human-robot interaction more intuitive.
Currently, 1X Technologies is following a radically different development path compared to its competitors. While many companies focus on commercial applications such as material handling in logistics and manufacturing, 1X Technologies is developing robots specifically for home environments, showcasing its fresh and innovative vision.
