1X Plans to Deploy 10,000 Household Robots as Industrial Labor

1X, the Norwegian robotics company that recently began taking pre-orders for its $20,000 household robot, has secured a commitment to deploy up to 10,000 of its Neo humanoids to major companies worldwide.

This unprecedented rollout is the result of a new partnership with its major investor, the Swedish private equity giant EQT.

The deal, announced last Thursday, involves the rollout of the bipedal, general-purpose Neo models to EQT’s extensive portfolio of over 300 companies between 2026 and 2030. This move signals a significant pivot for the Neo robot, which was initially marketed for consumer use, assisting with chores like folding laundry.

Now, its focus is firmly on the industrial sector, with targeted applications in manufacturing, logistics, warehousing, facility operations, and healthcare. EQT, which manages €267 billion in assets, will facilitate delivery, though each portfolio company will make final purchase or lease decisions.

‘Giving them superpowers’

Both companies are describing the partnership as a proactive solution to growing labor shortages and a push toward a more efficient, safer global workforce.

“This isn’t about replacing people, it’s about giving them superpowers,” said Ted Persson, lead partner in EQT Ventures, which has been an investor in 1X since 2023. Persson emphasized that by giving EQT’s companies early access to 1X’s production capacity and integration know-how, they can “tackle labor shortages, improve safety, and unlock new levels of productivity in the industries that keep the world running.”

The CEO and founder of 1X, Bernt Øivind Børnich, echoed the sentiment, stating, “This partnership brings humanoid robotics into the real economy.” He added, “Together, we aim to demonstrate how humanoid robots can enhance productivity, improve safety, and create more sustainable labor models worldwide.”

The race for mass deployment

The agreement is a powerful statement in the global race to commercialize humanoid robots, an industry that currently features high-profile competitors such as Tesla, Figure AI, and Boston Dynamics.

1X, which has raised over $130 million from investors including the OpenAI Startup Fund, will begin pilot deployments in the United States in 2026, with expansion to Europe and Asia to follow.

While the exact financial terms of the deal were not disclosed, securing a pipeline for up to 10,000 units provides a substantial narrative of scalability for the company. Market experts have noted that industrial environments offer immediate, clear value for the technology, providing a more practical first step toward mass adoption than the complex and high-cost consumer market.

Also read: China debuts six-armed robot built for efficiency as humanoids move from staged demos to real factory work and scaled industrial deployments.
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