Humanoid Robots Like 1X on the Rise in Silicon Valley
Humanoid robots are moving closer to everyday use, combining human-like abilities with advanced AI. With fresh capital, companies like Norwegian 1X—now operating from a new dual headquarters in Sunnyvale, California—are leading a major shift in robotics.
Earlier this year, Norwegian 1X Technologies opened a dual headquarters in Sunnyvale, close to one of its main competitors, Figure AI.
“1X’s recent office opening in Sunnyvale is likely for the greater proximity to both capital and talent in Silicon Valley,” says Ali Javaheri, an analyst at PitchBook.
The new office includes a specialized branch for AI data collection, a team focused on customer success and service support, and a significant fleet of NEO and EVE androids.
1X first developed EVE, a humanoid robot designed to handle repetitive tasks. More recently the company introduced NEO, a more advanced model with improved mobility and adaptability for use in various environments.
The Norwegian company raised $87.5 million in October 2023, followed by an additional $100 million in Series B funding in January 2024, with Swedish venture firm EQT Ventures joining as a new investor.
SVNB contacted 1X for an update about the company since the opening of its new office in Sunnyvale in March, but the company declined to comment. EQT Ventures has not yet responded.
The rise in venture capital interest in humanoid robotics has been notable in 2024.
“Overall, we’ve seen increasing momentum in deal-making activity in the humanoid robotics space,” says Javaheri.
According to PitchBook, there has been a 10.6 percent increase in VC deals in this sector relative to last year, with approximately $1.3 billion invested in 2024.
“This influx of capital reflects confidence in the potential of humanoid robots to take on roles traditionally performed by humans, particularly in sectors struggling with labor shortages, like manufacturing and logistics,” adds Javaheri.
A notable development in this sector is Tesla’s Optimus project, with CEO Elon Musk stating that these robots could eventually be priced at around $20,000. This pricing strategy, if achieved, could significantly broaden the market for humanoid robots, making them more accessible to a wider range of consumers and businesses.
The broader industry has also seen influential partnerships. Agility Robotics, for example, has secured deals with Amazon and Ford, while Figure AI is collaborating with OpenAI, which is also a major investor in 1X.
“It seems that there’s bullishness towards the sector,” says Javaheri, adding, “but we will see how durable it is as more robots get deployed in the field.”
Humanoid robots mimic human form and behavior, with bipedal movement, dexterous hands, facial recognition, and responsive social interaction. Advanced engineering and AI enable them to navigate environments, interact with people, and perform tasks autonomously, blending lifelike design with intelligent functionality.
Sources: PitchBook, Company websites, Press releases,