Photo: Courtesy of 1X.
A humanoid robot designed to help with household chores has earned a place on TIME’s Best Inventions of 2026 list. The 1X NEO is offered at $20,000 for Early Access, but buyers should distinguish its advertised potential from what it can do on its own at the start.
TIME’s October 15 listing recognizes NEO as a home helper. Its maker, 1X, describes a robot that can help tidy rooms, move items and take on chores while learning additional tasks.
Some chores still need a remote helper
1X says NEO works autonomously by default, but Early Access includes foundational autonomy rather than a promise that every household task can be completed without help.
For an unfamiliar or complex chore, an owner can schedule a 1X Expert to remotely supervise the robot. The company says that guidance helps the robot learn while completing the task. That makes remote access part of the product’s operating model, rather than a detail buyers should overlook.
Owners can give NEO a list of chores, set a time for them or ask for help while at home, according to the company. 1X also says the robot manages its battery and plugs itself in when it needs to charge.
Price and delivery depend on the option
The company’s product announcement lists $20,000 for Early Access, including priority delivery in 2026. It also describes a $499-a-month subscription option shipping later, with initial deliveries focused on the United States and expansion to other markets starting in 2027.
The TIME recognition is dated October 15. It is an award-list selection, not an announcement that the robot launched today. 1X’s original consumer-product announcement was dated October 28, 2025.
The company’s descriptions of task performance and learning are manufacturer claims. The award does not remove the need to check the level of autonomy, remote-supervision arrangements and delivery terms for the option being considered.
JBizNews Desk | Technology
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