EQT Deal Shifts 1X Neo to Industrial Use

Robotics company 1X has secured a major deal with EQT, a prominent Swedish investor, to deploy thousands of its Neo humanoid robots across EQT's extensive portfolio. This strategic partnership, set to occur between 2026 and 2030, will involve the delivery of up to 10,000 Neo robots, primarily targeting industrial sectors like manufacturing, warehousing, and logistics within EQT's over 300 companies.

This agreement marks a notable pivot for the Neo robot, which was initially introduced with a strong emphasis on personal home use, advertised as the "first consumer-ready humanoid robot designed to transform life at home." The $20,000 price point and a unique privacy feature allowing remote human operators to view through the robot's eyes were highlighted for its home applications. However, the new deal signals a strategic reorientation towards more readily accepted industrial use cases.

The shift to industrial applications is likely driven by the current challenges in the consumer market for high-priced, advanced robots, which face skepticism regarding safety, practicality, and cost. While 1X reported strong pre-order interest for the Neo's home version, the EQT partnership indicates a more immediate and tangible market for humanoid robots in commercial and industrial environments, addressing a growing need for automation in these sectors.