1X struck a deal to send its ‘home’ humanoids to factories and warehouses

1X has secured a significant partnership to deploy its humanoid robots in industrial environments, focusing on factories and warehouses. The robotics firm announced on Thursday that it would supply thousands of its humanoid robots, specifically the Neo model, to the portfolio companies of EQT, a prominent Swedish multi-asset investor. Under the terms of this strategic agreement, up to 10,000 Neo robots are slated for delivery between 2026 and 2030, targeting EQT’s extensive network of over 300 companies primarily involved in manufacturing, warehousing, and logistics. Each participating company will engage in separate agreements with 1X, as confirmed to TechCrunch. Interestingly, while 1X has marketed the Neo as a consumer-friendly humanoid—billed as the “first consumer-ready humanoid robot designed to transform life at home”—this collaboration pivots towards industrial applications. Unlike other startups in the space, such as Figure, which focus on commercial use, 1X has not previously emphasized its humanoid for business settings. The company also produces the Eve Industrial robot for industrial tasks, but this deal specifically highlights the Neo model. When 1X opened pre-orders for the Neo, priced at $20,000, the marketing emphasized its household capabilities, showcasing various chores it could perform and its interactive nature. However, the current deal indicates a shift in strategy, likely influenced by the challenges of selling humanoid robots for home use. The high price point and privacy concerns—since operators can access live feeds from the robot’s cameras—further complicate consumer adoption. Experts in robotics have indicated that widespread acceptance of humanoid robots might still be years, if not a decade, away, particularly for home use. Despite this, 1X reported that pre-orders for the Neo exceeded initial expectations, although the company did not disclose specific numbers. Founded in 2014, 1X has successfully raised over $130 million in venture capital from notable investors, including EQT Ventures, Tiger Global, and the OpenAI Startup Fund.