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1X Technologies AS this week announced a strategic partnership with EQT, a private equity firm and investor in 1X through EQT Ventures.
The companies said they intend to roll out up to 10,000 of 1X’s humanoid robots across EQT’s global portfolio between 2026 and 2030. EQT noted that ultimately each portfolio company will make implementation decisions.
“This partnership brings humanoid robotics into the real economy,” stated Bernt Øivind Børnich, founder and CEO of 1X Technologies. “EQT’s global reach and operational expertise make them the ideal partner to help deploy our technology safely, responsibly, and at scale. Together, we aim to demonstrate how humanoid robots can enhance productivity, improve safety, and create more sustainable labor models worldwide.”
1X looks beyond home applications
One key aspect of the partnership is the target applications for 1X Technologies’ NEO humanoid. The Palo Alto, Calif.-based company said it has designed NEO to operate safely around people.
Until now, 1X has focused on marketing NEO as a helper for common household tasks. Founded in 2014, it said the robot is currently available for pre-orders and will ship to its first consumer homes in 2026.
Looking forward, the company said it will focus on facility operations, logistics, warehousing, manufacturing, and healthcare.