经济日报：机器人保姆何时登门入户

Core Insights - The launch of the consumer humanoid robot NEO by tech company 1X marks a significant step towards making "robotic caregivers" a reality, with pre-sales starting and first deliveries planned for 2026 [1] Product Features - NEO is designed to be user-friendly, standing 1.68 meters tall and weighing 30 kilograms, featuring a soft knitted exterior to reduce the mechanical feel [1] - It operates quietly at 22 decibels, quieter than a refrigerator, and includes a large language model for voice commands and direct conversation [1] - NEO has memory capabilities to learn and adapt to the owner's habits, enhancing its usability over time [1] - The robot is equipped with a tendon-like drive system for smooth movements, designed for household tasks with safety in mind, and features 22 degrees of freedom for single-handed operations [1] - It has a four-hour battery life and waterproof hands, making it suitable for basic household chores like folding clothes, watering plants, and washing dishes [1] Business Model - NEO offers two acquisition options: a purchase price of $20,000 or a subscription model at $499 per month, significantly lowering the barrier to access high-end technology [1] Limitations - NEO struggles with complex tasks, taking one minute to retrieve a bottle of water and five minutes to place cups in a dishwasher, indicating limitations in its autonomous capabilities [2] - The "expert mode" allows 1X employees to remotely assist with tasks, which raises concerns about privacy and data security, as they can view the user's home environment [3] Competitive Landscape - Chinese companies have a unique advantage in the humanoid robot sector, showcasing impressive technological capabilities and strong manufacturing capabilities across the entire supply chain [3] - The industry faces challenges in achieving full autonomy for complex household tasks and reducing costs to the level of household appliances [3] Industry Implications - The release of NEO signals the potential for consumer-grade humanoid robots, highlighting both the feasibility of such products and the common industry challenges related to technology maturity and privacy concerns [4] - The design, safety features, and innovative business models of NEO provide valuable lessons for Chinese enterprises, although significant technological hurdles remain before robotic caregivers can be widely adopted [4]