The uncanny dexterity of 1X’s new NEO robot

Replicating the human hand remains a daunting hurdle in robotics, yet CEO Bernt Bornich suggests the company has cracked the code with a new tendon-driven system. These hands feature 25 degrees of freedom, allowing for delicate operations like handling origami or sensing when an object is about to slip. The hardware is IP68 waterproof and food-safe, designed to mirror human capabilities with high-precision sensory feedback.

While the technical specs promise a machine that can perform nearly any manual task, the visual result triggers a visceral reaction. The robot’s emotionless face paired with movements that subtly mimic—and occasionally exceed—human limits creates a jarring experience for viewers. Despite the creepiness, the technology is moving toward mass production. 1X reports it can already manufacture these hands at a scale of 10,000 units per year, signaling that this blend of extreme dexterity and unsettling presence is moving from the lab into the real world.