1X Strikes Deal to Outsource Humanoids to Factories and Warehouses

Robotics Company 1X Partners with EQT Ventures to Provide Humanoid Robots to Portfolio Companies

Robotics company 1X has secured a strategic partnership with EQT Ventures, a prominent Swedish multi-asset investor, to offer thousands of its humanoid robots to EQT’s portfolio companies. This collaboration, announced recently, will see up to 10,000 1X Neo humanoid robots being delivered to over 300 of EQT’s portfolio companies specializing in manufacturing, warehousing, logistics, and other industrial applications between 2026 and 2030.

1X, known for its consumer-focused humanoid robots, including the Neo model designed for personal use, has taken a unique approach with this partnership. While the company’s Neo robot is typically marketed for home use, this deal with EQT Ventures focuses on providing these robots for industrial purposes to EQT’s portfolio companies.

Unlike some of its competitors, such as Figure, 1X has positioned the Neo as a consumer-ready humanoid robot rather than targeting commercial markets. The company’s other robot, Eve Industrial, is designed specifically for industrial use cases.

When 1X introduced preorders for the Neo robot priced at $20,000, the emphasis was on its functionality within a home setting, highlighting its ability to perform various tasks and interact with users.

This partnership marks a significant shift in the use case for 1X’s humanoid robots. Industrial applications are seen as a more viable market compared to consumer adoption, given factors like price point and privacy concerns associated with humanoid robots.

Concerns around privacy, safety issues with pets and children, as well as the limited consumer base due to the high price point, have been cited as potential barriers to widespread adoption of humanoid robots for personal use. Despite these challenges, 1X has reported that preorders for the Neo robot exceeded expectations.

Since its establishment in 2014, 1X has raised over $130 million in venture capital from investors like EQT Ventures, Tiger Global, and the OpenAI Startup Fund, demonstrating strong support for the company’s innovative robotics projects.