1X is an AI startup based in Norway. home roboticsannounced a significant $100 million Series B funding round. This follows the expansion of a $23.5 million Series A funding round led by OpenAI in early 2023, demonstrating the company’s rapid growth and growing interest in its home robotics solutions.
From science fiction to reality
1X’s journey began in 2014 when it was originally known as Halodi Robotics. The first android, EVE, had wheels instead of legs and weighed 80 kg. EVE has been actively involved in the logistics and security sectors to address global manpower shortages. But with the new Android NEO, 1X is venturing into an even more challenging arena: the domestic environment.
NEO, the next generation of Android, is a lighter (30 kg) and more sophisticated version of its predecessor, designed to solve the unique challenges of the home environment. Unlike EVE, NEO has two legs, allowing it to reach hard-to-reach areas, an essential feature for housekeeping tasks. The robot’s design focuses on safety, incorporating a soft layer over an aluminum core and avoiding hazards such as lifting heavy objects near people.
OpenAI and NVIDIA act as catalysts for 1X growth
OpenAI, famous for developing ChatGPT, and NVIDIA, a leader in high-performance GPUs, played an important role in the development of 1X. OpenAI’s participation began in the summer of 2022, prior to the launch of ChatGPT. This partnership provides 1X with critical validation and access to advanced AI technologies and networks. On the other hand, NVIDIA softwareHelps 1X scale AI applications for NEO.
Combination of human expertise and AI
1X’s approach to NEO training involves replicating human behavior and thought processes in machines, similar to Large Language Model (LLM) training. The process involves a human operator controlling the robot using a VR headset, thereby transferring human actions and thoughts to the robotic system. The goal is to develop AI models with a rich understanding of the world, which is essential for the diverse and unpredictable nature of home environments.
Home The Future of Robotics
The recent $100 million Series B funding, led by EQT Ventures and including significant contributions from other investors such as Samsung Next, aims to mass-produce NEO. The exact pricing of NEO has not yet been revealed, but 1X’s CEO is confident it will be priced competitively compared to existing systems on the market.
1X’s vision extends beyond simply creating home robots. We aim to solve complex AI problems by leveraging the vast and diverse data available in home environments. With more than 50 robots already operating and collecting data, 1X is poised to make a significant impact on the world of home robotics and potentially change the way we see and interact with robots in our daily lives.
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