Neo Robot vs Figure 02: The Battle Between OpenAI’s Best Partners

Neo Robot vs Figure 02 Comparison

Key Takeaways: The "Sibling" Rivalry

  • The OpenAI Connection: Both companies are heavily backed by OpenAI, but they serve different masters: The Living Room (Neo) vs. the Factory (Figure).
  • Design Philosophy: 1X Neo uses a "soft body" muscle system (30kg) for safety, while Figure 02 uses a rigid industrial exoskeleton (70kg).
  • Availability: Neo is consumer-ready in 2026 with a subscription model.
  • Figure 02 is currently deployed in commercial partnerships (like BMW).
  • Battery Life: Figure 02 wins on endurance (7.5 hours) for long shifts; Neo prioritizes lightweight agility (4 hours).
  • The Verdict: Neo is the appliance you buy; Figure is the worker you hire.

Introduction: The Civil War of AI Robotics

In the race to put a robot in your home, OpenAI has hedged its bets. By funding both 1X Technologies and Figure AI, Sam Altman has effectively created a "civil war" between two distinct visions of the future.

This neo robot vs figure 02 comparison isn't just about specs; it is a choice between a gentle companion and a powerhouse laborer. This deep dive is part of our extensive guide on AI Living 2026: From Chatbots to Humanoids & Smart Cities, exploring how these "OpenAI cousins" are diverging to dominate different parts of your life.

While Tesla builds its bot in isolation, OpenAI is fueling a rapid evolution in both camps. But which approach, the soft, biological mimicry of Neo or the precision engineering of Figure, will actually win the race to your kitchen?

The "Brain" Comparison: How They Use OpenAI

Both robots leverage OpenAI’s multimodal models, but they apply them differently.

1X Neo: The Emphatic Listener

Neo integrates OpenAI’s reasoning with its proprietary "Redwood" World Model.

Goal: To understand context and intent.

Application: If you say "I'm cold," Neo understands it should fetch a blanket, not just turn up the thermostat.

Voice: It uses a modified GPT-4o architecture for natural, low-latency conversation, designed to make it feel like a family member.

Figure 02: The Precise Executor

Figure 02 utilizes OpenAI specifically for complex speech-to-speech reasoning and visual problem solving.

Goal: To achieve autonomy in unstructured environments.

Application: Figure can look at a cluttered table, reason which trash needs to go, and execute the task without a pre-programmed script.

Integration: Its "Speech-to-Speech" capability allows for stutter-free, real-time debating and instruction receiving, critical for factory floors.

Hardware Reality: Soft Muscle vs. Hard Metal

The most visible difference in the neo robot vs figure 02 battle is the hardware.

1X Neo: The "Bio-Safe" Approach

Neo is built to be touched. It uses a "soft body" suit over a tendon-driven anatomy.

  • Weight: ~30kg (66 lbs) – lighter than most teenagers.
  • Safety: The lack of pinch points and the soft exterior mean it can bump into a child without causing injury.
  • Silence: Operates at <22dB (quieter than a whisper), making it ideal for sleeping households.

Figure 02: The Industrial Tank

Figure 02 is an engineering marvel designed for endurance.

  • Weight: ~70kg (154 lbs) – a solid, metallic heavyweight.
  • Power: It carries a massive 2.25 KWh battery pack for 7.5 hours of continuous runtime.
  • Strength: While Neo mimics muscles, Figure uses high-torque actuators to lift and carry with factory-grade precision.

Comparison Note: For a look at how Neo stacks up against another metal rival, read our Neo Robot vs Optimus: Which Humanoid Will Move Into Your Home First? breakdown.

Use Case: Living Room vs. Assembly Line

1X Neo: The Home Specialist

Neo is the only one of the two explicitly sold to consumers in 2026. Neo’s sensors can even double as mobile surveillance, feeding data directly into your Sentient Home Security grid.

  • Tasks: Folding laundry, organizing toys, emotional support, and security.
  • Price: Available via a subscription model (approx. $499/mo). (See: 1X Neo Robot Price).
  • Strategy: Get into homes early using "Expert Mode" (remote human assistance) to handle edge cases.

Figure 02: The Workforce Revolution

Figure's strategy is "Master the Factory, then the Home."

  • Tasks: Assembly line work (BMW partnership), logistics, and hazardous material handling.
  • Price: Currently B2B contracts only; consumer pricing is estimated to eventually target $20k, but not yet.
  • Strategy: Perfect the dexterity and reliability in high-stakes environments before risking consumer interaction.

Conclusion

In the neo robot vs figure 02 showdown, the winner depends on your arena. If you are a factory manager looking to replace a shift, Figure 02 is the superior machine.

But if you are a parent looking for help with chores, 1X Neo is the only viable option in 2026. Neo’s soft body and consumer-first design make it the "Mac" to Figure's "PC", one is an appliance for life, the other is a tool for work.

Optimize Your AI Workflow. Try Survey Monkey AI

Survey Monkey AI Tool

We may earn a commission if you buy through this link. (This does not increase the price for you)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Does Figure 02 use the same AI as 1X Neo?

Partially. Both companies have investment and partnership deals with OpenAI, giving them access to GPT-4o class models for reasoning and voice. However, 1X uses its proprietary "Redwood" model for physical movement learning, while Figure uses its "Helix" model for visuomotor policies.

2. Which robot is better for conversational AI: Neo or Figure?

Both are excellent, but Neo is tuned for social interaction (empathy, casual chat), while Figure 02 is tuned for instructional interaction (receiving commands, reporting status). Neo is designed to be a "buddy," Figure is designed to be a "coworker."

3. Is Figure 02 intended for home use?

Eventually, yes. Figure's CEO has stated the long-term goal is a general-purpose robot for the home. However, the current Figure 02 model is optimized for industrial pilots (like at BMW) and is too heavy and rigid for safe, unsupervised home use compared to Neo.

4. How much faster is the Figure 02 than the 1X Neo?

Figure 02 moves at approximately 1.2 m/s (walking) with highly precise, snappy hand movements for assembly tasks. Neo moves slightly slower (walking) to ensure safety but can run up to 6.2 m/s in bursts. In terms of task execution, Figure is faster at rigid, repetitive tasks; Neo is more fluid in chaotic environments.

5. Who owns 1X and Figure AI?

They are independent companies. 1X Technologies is a Norwegian company backed by OpenAI and Tiger Global. Figure AI is a US-based company backed by OpenAI, Microsoft, NVIDIA, and Jeff Bezos.

Sources & References

Back to Top