1X Executive Says Wired Article Shifted Focus to Sexualization of Humanoid Robot

A vice president of product and design at the robotics company 1X said Wired magazine reframed an exclusive story about the company's new robot hands as coverage about sexualizing robotics. Dar Sleeper wrote on X that he gave Wired the exclusive on the hands launch and felt the resulting article did not match what the reporter had described.

He added that he regretted the decision to grant the exclusive.

1X's Neo is a $20,000 humanoid household robot, or $500 per month through a subscription, designed to perform chores such as cleaning and fetching items. The company states the robot's new five-finger hands provide 25 degrees of freedom, tactile sensing, and dexterity to manipulate everyday objects using tendon-like cables.

The robot is scheduled to begin U.S. deliveries later this year. Wired's article praised the engineering while also examining the company's marketing and privacy practices. The Post has sought comment from Conde Nast.