The Norwegian startup is betting on safe, accessible humanoid robots capable of co-existing with people to learn through direct experience.
The robots of the future should not be limited to executing mechanical orders. At least that’s what Bernt Børnich, founder and CEO of 1X Technologies, argues. This young Norwegian company aims to take robotics to a new level of naturalness, empathy, and utility. “For robots to be truly intelligent and behave as we expect — like holding the door for an elderly person or not bothering a pet — they must learn by living among us,” he recently stated on NVIDIA’s AI Podcast.
Backed by the American tech giant, 1X Technologies is working on the development of fully autonomous humanoid robots, focusing on security, affordability, and adaptability. The goal is not just to build efficient machines, but artificial companions that can integrate into human daily life, learning from and with them.
Reinforcement Learning and Real-World Experience
To achieve this, 1X combines different methods of machine learning: from reinforcement learning with feedback to expert-guided demonstrations and data collection in real-world environments. This approach allows their robots to not only follow a rigid programming but to continuously evolve and adapt to new and complex situations.
One of their most ambitious projects is NEO, a household robot that promises to take care of tasks such as vacuuming, folding laundry, picking up items, or opening doors. Inspired by the human musculoskeletal system, NEO uses tendon-like mechanisms that reduce energy consumption and prioritize safety during interactions with people.
More Time for Humanity
Børnich emphasizes that the mission of robotics is not to replace humans, but to amplify their productivity and well-being. “If robots take care of repetitive or ungratifying tasks, people can dedicate more time to creativity, interpersonal relationships, and what really matters,” he pointed out.
The vision of 1X aligns with a growing trend in the field of physical artificial intelligence, which seeks to combine algorithmic reasoning with the ability to act in the real world. NVIDIA plays an increasingly relevant role in this field, thanks to platforms like Isaac GR00T and the use of foundational models of the physical world that allow for unprecedented environmental simulation accuracy.
Collaborative Robots, Not Just Executors
During the NVIDIA GTC Paris event, taking place June 10-12, these very issues will be addressed. Among the highlighted sessions are:
- Introduction to Humanoid Robots, featuring an in-depth look at Isaac GR00T technology.
- How Physical AI is Shaping the New Generation of Industrial Robots, with real-world use cases in sectors such as logistics, assembly, and healthcare.
In addition to 1X, other startups like Imbue and Roboflow are exploring how to make AI systems not just perform tasks, but become personal collaborators capable of understanding our intentions, adapting to context, and evolving with us.
The Future of Robotic Coexistence
With a responsible and progressive approach, 1X Technologies is building a future where robots can coexist with humans without creating friction, learning to behave as attentive and effective assistants. An ambitious vision that breaks with the traditional image of impersonal automation, raising a fundamental question: Are we ready for machines to learn alongside us, as just another companion?
Source: blogs.nvidia.com and podcast Imbue CEO Kanjun Qiu on Transforming AI Agents Into Personal Collaborators.