OpenAI-backed humanoid robotics firm 1X raises €91.1M to market its second-generation Android

Oslo-based 1X Technologies, an AI and robotics company producing androids capable of human-like movements and behaviours, announced that it has secured $100M (approximately €91.14M) in a Series B round of funding.

In March 2023, 1X raised $23.5M in a Series A2 round of funding. The company, backed by OpenAI and Tiger Global, has now raised over $125M in under a year after its Series A funding.

Investors supporting 1X Technologies

The Series B investment came from Stockholm-based EQT Ventures and other notable global investors.

Ted Persson, Partner at EQT Ventures says, “From Leonardo da Vinci to today’s sci-fi, humans have dreamt of humanoid robots for over 500 years. It’s a privilege to witness the enabling technologies form in front of our eyes, in real-time.”

“The impact of androids joining our human workforce, on our terms will be transformative (to say the least). We’re convinced 1X with their NEO androids will play a crucial role in the pioneering steps towards the first forays of our technological and human future,” adds Persson.

Capital utilisation

1X Technologies says that the funds will be used to launch the second generation Android, NEO, designed for home assistance and consumer tasks. NEO caters to a wide range of consumer market tasks.

1X will also support enterprise clients in logistics and security, positioning itself as a leader in AI robotics, focusing on safety and embodied learning for data collection.

Bernt Øivind Børnich, CEO of 1X says, “We are thrilled that these leading investors are supporting 1X’s mission of safely deploying Androids with Smart Behavior into new markets. Our next milestone will be scaling our data collection strategy for Embodied AI and offering NEO to consumers.”

Androids built to benefit society

Founded in 2014 by Bernt Øivind Børnich and Nguyen Ho Quoc Phuong, 1X specialises in designing androids that collaborate with humans, addressing global labour demands.

“We believe that to serve our world, androids need to experience our world.
That’s why 1X’s products are inspired by human nature, inside and out,” says the company.

1X announced its rebranding from Halodi Robotics. The company says its development and future goals are hinted at by the name 1X, which also represents the team’s distinctive automation expertise.

Brief about NEO

NEO allows remote human control for quick support. With muscle-like anatomy and not rigid hydraulics, NEO combines strength with gentleness. It can walk, jog, climb stairs, and navigate spaces naturally, becoming more efficient with each task.

NEO excels in industrial tasks such as security, logistics, manufacturing, and operating machinery. As it evolves, the vision includes expanding into home assistance, handling chores, and offering support to those with mobility challenges. 

NEO’s potential extends to research, contributing to fields like psychology and artificial intelligence, and showcasing possibilities for assistance, productivity, and learning.