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Robots Join Human Workforce: 10,000 Deployed Soon
13 Dec, 2025
Summary
- Up to 10,000 humanoid robots will be deployed over five years.
- EQT will place robots in portfolio companies for manufacturing and healthcare.
- Robots aim to address labor shortages and boost productivity.
Robot manufacturer 1X is set to deploy as many as 10,000 humanoid robots over the next five years through a significant agreement with private equity firm EQT. These robots will be integrated into EQT's portfolio companies, supporting human workers in crucial sectors such as manufacturing, facility operations, and healthcare. Pilots are slated to begin in the U.S. in 2026.
The initiative seeks to address widespread labor shortages and boost productivity across industries. Ted Persson, a lead partner at EQT Ventures, stated that the goal is not to replace human workers but to empower them with enhanced capabilities. This move is anticipated to usher in a new era of mass-market robot adoption.
While 1X previously offered its Neo humanoid robot for home use, this new deal suggests a broader application in industrial and operational settings. The robots will be made available for purchase or lease, with an initial focus on U.S. companies before expanding to Europe and Asia.
