Not even blue-collar jobs are safe from automation—the era of robots is here and for $20K you can already buy your first robo housekeeper

The latest home intruder, by AI-backed tech company 1X Technologies, is a 5-foot-6 humanoid housekeeper—and its name is Neo.  

For those who have been begging for a robot to empty the dishwasher and load up the laundry, look no further: Neo is ready for pre-order at a cost of $20,000, with expected delivery in 2026. For those who want to try before they buy, the company will also offer a rental plan of a $499 six-month commitment. 

Despite having an eye-watering price tag, it might actually be a good deal; on average, a human housekeeper charges around $170-$220 per visit. So a weekly visit at the upper rate would rack up to $20,000 in under two years.

Customers will be able to schedule their cleaning sessions in an app, including what they would like done, and a remote operator will execute the chores. The robot can answer recipe questions, give you advice, and share jokes and stories for “natural conversations.” 

For those wanting a Neo in their homes next year, the website says customers can place a $200 (fully refundable) deposit toward their order today.

Mixed result: Invasion of privacy and laundry struggles

A reporter at The Wall Street Journal had the robot try out a few tasks: grabbing water from the fridge, loading the dishwasher, and folding a sweater. The results were mixed. While it was able to grab water from the fridge, it struggled to fold clothes. 

But with more practice, the robot could be your next Mary Poppins—with the exception of it handling anything hot, heavy or sharp. Getting it to make you a cup of hot tea or move furniture is out of the question, for now. It can only carry up to 55 pounds. For safety purposes, those with young children won’t qualify initially for the early adopter program, though the CEO explained it’s light enough not to seriously hurt anyone if it falls. 

Some have also criticized the technology as an invasion of privacy. But for those worried about the dangers that could come with having robots live in our homes, with Neo, humans are still involved in the experience—for now, at least. 

Currently, Neo’s every move is controlled off-site by a 1X teleoperator staffer wearing a VR headset. However, the company says that by 2026, it expects Neo to perform most household tasks autonomously, learning from the real-world data collected through those human-guided sessions. 

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“If we don’t have your data, we can’t make the product better,” 1X CEO Bernt Børnich told the WSJ, adding that the technology is still safer than human house cleaners since all company operators are monitored. 

It comes as blue-collar jobs are gaining popularity among Gen Z

As AI agents and chatbots threaten the future of white-collar jobs, with entry-level and low-wage admin roles hit worst, Gen Zers are increasingly opting out of office roles. 

Instead, young professionals entering the workforce are hoping to land six-figure blue-collar careers like plumbers and carpenters to shield themselves against the threat of AI while also avoiding student loans.

A part of the shift comes from surging joblessness; the unemployment rate for recent college graduates ages 22-27 jumped to around 5.8% in early 2025, compared with the broader unemployment rate (~4.2%) for all workers. However, some blue-collar industries are seeing a resurgence. A study of 1,400 Gen Z adults found that 42% of workers are turning to the trade for security. 

But with Neo stepping into the household and taking on labor like housekeeping, job-seekers may have to compete with AI innovations creeping into the blue-collar world. 

The pressure is on for tradespeople (or those looking to pivot into the industry): According to a report from the World Economic Forum, robotics and automation could create 170 million new roles by 2030—but it’s set to swipe 92 million jobs along the way.