1X Technologies: who's behind NEO and the event alternative

Written by ROBOTio Team · · 5 min read

Article summary

1X Technologies from Norway and California develops the domestic humanoid NEO. It cannot yet be ordered at events in Czechia or Europe – what to do instead?

You cannot order robots from 1X Technologies at events in Czechia or Europe today. The brand develops the domestic humanoid NEO and supplies it exclusively to customers in the USA, with European sales planned for 2027. ROBOTio does not offer it for rental or sale. If you need a humanoid for your corporate event, conference or trade show, we provide Unitree G1 and H2 from our own fleet, each with two dedicated operators. ## Who is 1X Technologies The company was established in 2014 in Moss, Norway, as Halodi Robotics. It is now based in Palo Alto, California, with robot manufacturing at a facility in Hayward. According to manufacturer data, the factory currently has a capacity of 10,000 units per year, with targets of 100,000 annually by the end of 2027. Key investors include the OpenAI Startup Fund, EQT Ventures, and Samsung NEXT. NEO's predecessor was EVE, a wheeled humanoid designed for logistics and security. For the latest brand information, visit [1X Technologies](https://robotio.eu/brands/1x). ## What robots does 1X produce The flagship product is [1X NEO](https://robotio.eu/1x-neo), a humanoid designed for domestic use. According to the manufacturer, it features: - Height 168 cm, weight 30 kg, - Soft body with 3D mesh polymer and Tendon Drive muscle actuation – no sharp edges, - Hands with tactile sensors in the fingers, - Battery providing approximately 4 hours of operation, - Proprietary Redwood AI model for voice conversation and scene understanding, - Expert Mode: unfamiliar tasks can be completed by a remote 1X operator, enabling the robot to learn. Development has been rapid. NEO Beta debuted in August 2024, NEO Gamma in February 2025, and consumer pre-orders opened in October 2025. The Hayward factory commenced operations in April 2026, and in July 2026 the manufacturer unveiled new hands with 25 degrees of freedom. As of September 2026, verified private customer deliveries have yet to be reported. Beyond the home, 1X is also targeting enterprise customers. An EQT partnership envisions deploying up to 10,000 humanoids across EQT portfolio companies between 2026 and 2030, with pilots starting in the USA. Initial units are already operating in the 1X factory. For detailed technical analysis, see our article on [NEO specifications and availability](https://robotio.eu/blog/1x-neo-domaci-humanoid-parametry-dostupnost). ## Why NEO is not yet suitable for your event The reasons are straightforward: - **Availability.** Supply is currently limited to the USA, with Europe expected to follow from 2027. - **Design purpose.** NEO is engineered for household tasks such as cleaning, carrying items and basic domestic chores – not for operation amongst hundreds of guests. - **Missing European details.** The manufacturer has not yet disclosed European pricing or certifications. - **Operator dependence.** For unfamiliar tasks, a remote 1X operator takes control. Events require an on-site team familiar with your programme. This does not imply NEO is a poor robot. Rather, it is designed for a different environment than a stage, exhibition booth or reception. ## What to offer instead: G1 and H2 from our fleet We handle every task you would expect from a humanoid at an event, using our own robots every single week: - Greeting and mingling with guests, - Handshakes and photographs, - Conversation in the guest's chosen language (13 languages supported on our website), - Brief performances or dance routines. [Unitree G1](https://robotio.eu/unitree-g1-basic) stands 135 cm tall; [H2](https://robotio.eu/models) is 180 cm. For maximum stage impact, H2 is the choice. For close guest interaction and photography, G1 is ideal. The robot's personality and dialogue are approved in advance. The robot maintains its own movement and balance; operators direct motion and gestures. We can deploy up to 4 humanoids at a single event. Learn more about our fleet's manufacturer on the [Unitree](https://robotio.eu/brands/unitree) brand page. ### Proven success stories - **Trade fair:** A video from the Brilon × Aquatherm trade fair at PVA Expo Letňany has garnered over 2 million views – see the [case study](https://robotio.eu/case-study/pva-letnany-otevreni-haly). - **International events:** Three humanoids opened a leadership summit at [TE Connectivity ALM Paris 2026](https://robotio.eu/case-study/te-connectivity-alm-paris-2026). ## Deploying a robot at your event Choose the relevant page based on your event type: - [Robot for corporate events](https://robotio.eu/robot-hire-by-event-type) – welcoming, programme delivery, networking, - [Robot for trade shows](https://robotio.eu/robot-hire-by-event-type) – booth attraction, - [Robot for product launches](https://robotio.eu/robot-hire-by-event-type) – showcasing innovations. We operate throughout Czechia, Slovakia, Europe and the Gulf region (Dubai). If you are considering purchasing your own robot, we can assist with [acquisition](https://robotio.eu/services/sales). ## What if you decide to own NEO in the future We monitor 1X's EU order timeline and will notify you when it becomes available. For corporate clients, we can support model selection, import, installation and operator training once this option is available. Until then, the practical approach is to choose based on current availability rather than announced timelines. ## Frequently asked questions ### Can 1X NEO be hired for a Czechia event? No. NEO currently ships only to USA customers, and ROBOTio does not stock it. We provide Unitree G1 and H2 for events. ### When will NEO arrive in Europe? The manufacturer has announced international expansion starting in 2027. Specific EU terms have not yet been released. ### What is the best alternative for our event? Unitree G1 (135 cm) or H2 (180 cm) from our fleet. Both greet guests, converse in the visitor's language, facilitate photography and deliver brief performances, each operated by two technicians. ### How can we obtain a rental quote? Pricing is not listed on our website. We provide quotes based on your specific requirements and will prepare an offer within 24 hours. ## Ready for a humanoid at your event? Tell us the details and we will recommend the ideal model and programme. [Request a non-binding robot rental quote](https://robotio.eu/robot-rental) and we will respond within 24 hours.

Want to see a humanoid at your own event? Find out how to rent a humanoid robot with our own operators.

Category

robotika

Tags

  • 1X Technologies
  • 1X NEO
  • humanoid robots
  • robot rental
  • Unitree G1
  • Unitree H2

About ROBOTio

ROBOTio helps companies rent, demonstrate and integrate humanoid robots: Unitree G1 and H2 for events, trade fairs, conferences and marketing campaigns — always with our own operators.