I Tried the First Humanoid Home Robot. It Got Weird.
In a world where technology seamlessly blends into our daily lives, the introduction of the 1X Neo – one of the first humanoid robots designed for home use – promises to redefine domestic landscapes. Priced at a staggering $20,000 and slated for delivery in 2026, Neo aims to be the companion and helper of the future. But what happens when a humanoid with full AI software becomes a part of your household? The Wall Street Journal’s Joanna Stern dove deep into this question during her time with Neo and its creators.
High-Tech Hardware Meets Home Life
From the moment you lay eyes on Neo, it’s clear that this is no run-of-the-mill gadget. Standing tall with a sleek design, this humanoid is engineered to move and interact in a way that feels surprisingly lifelike. However, the allure of its advanced hardware is coupled with significant safety challenges. Joanna explores these concerns, highlighting that for all its mimicry of human behavior, Neo’s mechanical body holds potential risks. She dives into how its creators are addressing these issues to ensure that Neo can safely navigate our homes.
Teleoperation vs. Autonomy: Neo’s Brain at Work
While Neo is loaded with sophisticated AI, its true intelligence may hinge on how effectively it can operate autonomously versus relying on teleoperation. Joanna breaks down this nuanced balance, weighing the robot’s ability to complete tasks on its own against the necessity for human oversight. Through engaging demonstrations, viewers witness scenarios where Neo excels—and where it falters, revealing an ongoing need for user interaction that may deter potential buyers.
The Privacy Paradox
One of the most striking takeaways from Joanna’s experience comes from the intersection of Neo’s functionalities and privacy concerns. To maximize its usefulness, Neo requires visual access to its surroundings via embedded cameras. This aspect raises pressing questions: How do we reconcile the benefits of having a helper with the potential intrusions into our private lives? Joanna delves into this tension, positing that while Neo could provide invaluable assistance in daily tasks, the trade-off for privacy may leave prospective owners pondering whether this futuristic helper is worth the investment.
Gazing into the Future
As Joanna reflects on her time with Neo, she invites viewers to consider its future in a world increasingly dominated by AI. Will humanoid robots like Neo become essential fixtures in our homes, or will they remain a curiosity, hovering on the fringes of everyday life? The video closes with a mixture of intrigue and skepticism, highlighting the road ahead for the integration of robots into our homes.
With a tone that is both informative and laced with humor, Joanna Stern’s exploration of the 1X Neo offers a fascinating glimpse into the future of home robotics. As we stand on the precipice of this technological revolution, one thing is certain: the conversation around AI, privacy, and our evolving relationship with machines has only just begun.
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Video “I Tried the First Humanoid Home Robot. It Got Weird. | WSJ” was uploaded on 10/28/2025 to Youtube Channel The Wall Street Journal