HAYWARD, Calif., April 30, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) – 1X, a prominent U.S.-based AI and robotics company, has officially launched production at its NEO Factory in Hayward, California, marking the establishment of America’s first vertically integrated humanoid robot factory. This significant development is poised to enhance advanced AI hardware and robotics manufacturing within the United States.
The factory is currently focused on producing 1X’s flagship product, NEO, a versatile home robot designed to operate safely alongside humans in their daily lives. “This is more than just a factory opening—it’s proof that the future of humanoid robotics is being built right here in the U.S.,” stated Bernt Børnich, CEO and Founder of 1X. He emphasized the company’s commitment to manufacturing abundance, noting that increased production will lead to more robots, positioning 1X as a leader in the evolution of physical AI. The company is set to deliver NEO to American consumers, who will be among the first globally to welcome the robot into their homes.
Spanning 58,000 square feet and employing over 200 individuals, the NEO Factory is designed with fully integrated hardware manufacturing lines. 1X controls the design and production of essential components in-house, including motors, batteries, and sensors. This end-to-end approach differentiates 1X from competitors that rely on international supply chains, primarily from China, enabling it to achieve quicker iterations, maintain higher safety standards, and efficiently scale production. The factory has a current capacity to produce 10,000 NEOs annually, with aspirations to increase this figure to over 100,000 by the end of 2027.
Demand for NEO has surpassed expectations, with the company selling out its entire first-year production capacity of over 10,000 units within five days of the product’s launch on October 28. Vikram Kothari, VP of Manufacturing & Hardware, who has extensive experience in managing complex supply chains from his time at SpaceX, emphasized the factory’s commitment to creating a highly skilled workforce in America and delivering reliable robots. “We’re building the world’s safest, most reliable humanoid robots—right here in Hayward, California,” Kothari noted.
The Hayward facility represents a major milestone in 1X’s strategic roadmap, with robots being produced for the company’s R&D Lab and internal home testing. Customer shipments of NEO are expected to begin in 2026, positioning 1X to be among the first to deliver a consumer-ready general-purpose humanoid robot to American households, fundamentally changing the dynamics of daily life and work.
By manufacturing critical components domestically, 1X can ensure rapid delivery and localized customer support, facilitating the incorporation of user feedback into subsequent product iterations. Each NEO will be powered by the latest NVIDIA Jetson Thor, serving as the core of the robot’s brain, which allows for real-time AI inference necessary for safety-critical operations.
The integration of NVIDIA technologies, including the Isaac Sim and Isaac Lab frameworks, enhances NEO’s training and simulation capabilities. “Humanoid robots require high-performance, real-time AI inference and continuous training and testing in simulation for safe and reliable operation,” explained Deepu Talla, vice president of robotics and edge AI at NVIDIA. This collaboration gives 1X a valuable technological advantage, advancing the development of autonomous robots that can safely interact with humans.
NEO is now available for preorder through 1X’s online store, offered in three distinct colors: Tan, Gray, and Dark Brown. Interested customers can secure an Early Access purchase for $20,000, which guarantees priority delivery in 2026, or opt for a subscription model at $499 per month. As 1X moves forward, the company’s mission to create a prosperous future through safe, intelligent humanoids is paving the way for innovations that could redefine household dynamics.
For more information on 1X and the NEO robot, visit www.1x.tech.
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