If You're Thinking About Ordering a $20K Home Robot, There's Something You Need to See First - CNET
"Companies selling the dream of autonomous household humanoid robots today would be better off embracing reality and selling 'remote operated household help'," he wrote in a post on the X social network on Monday.
Key takeaways
The most recent developments in humanoid robotics include Russia’s debut of its first AI‑powered humanoid, AIDOL, which dramatically lost balance and fell on stage during a Moscow technology showcase on November 14, 2025, prompting organizers to pull the robot from view and highlighting ongoing challenges in calibration and lighting for new bipedal systems. In contrast, Chinese firm UBTech announced on November 17, 2025 that it has begun mass‑production of its Walker S2 humanoid, a model that can autonomously swap its depleted battery pack for a fresh one, enabling near‑continuous operation without human intervention, and is already secured by a 159‑million‑yuan data‑center contract. Meanwhile, a study published the same day ranked Boston Dynamics’ Atlas as the world’s most advanced humanoid robot, noting its 9 km/h speed, 18 kg payload, and 50 degrees of freedom, while China’s Unitree H2 placed fourth with notable agility and dexterity. These stories illustrate a split in the field: high‑profile setbacks for emerging entrants alongside significant strides in autonomy and performance from established manufacturers.
"Companies selling the dream of autonomous household humanoid robots today would be better off embracing reality and selling 'remote operated household help'," he wrote in a post on the X social network on Monday. If that sounds enticing, preorders are now open (for a mere $200 down). You'll be signing up as an early adopter for what Neo's maker, a California-based company called 1X, is calling a "consumer-ready humanoid." That's opposed to other humanoids under development from the likes of Tesla and Figure, which are, for the moment at least, more focused on factory environments. See full bio
Connor Jewiss
4 min read
The robot stands 5 feet, 6 inches tall, weighs about as much as a golden retriever and is nearly the price of a brand-new budget car.
This is Neo, the humanoid robot. It's billed as a personal assistant you can talk to and eventually rely on to handle everyday tasks, including loading the dishwasher and folding laundry.
Mentioned in this article