Robots That Move Like Us, Think Like Us — and Soon, Might Serve Us

1X Technologies' NEO is reshaping how we think about AI-powered hospitality, workforce automation, and the human experience.

At first glance, NEO looks like sleek science fiction — all clean lines, quiet movements, and humanoid precision. But under the surface lies something even more transformative: an intelligent system capable of learning, adapting, and engaging with people in real time.

Developed by 1X Technologies, NEO is a breakthrough in embodied AI — a robot that doesn’t just respond to instructions, but actively interprets and interacts with its environment. Unlike traditional machines confined to repetitive tasks, NEO walks fluidly, gestures naturally, and learns on the fly. It’s trained using advanced reinforcement learning, making it capable of behaviors that once demanded human intuition — from navigating busy hotel lobbies to assisting travelers with conversational ease.

At BAE Ventures, we see robotics like NEO not as replacements, but as partners — supporting the travel and tourism sectors in ways that expand possibility, elevate service, and rethink what it means to welcome the world.

Imagine a NEO robot checking in late-night guests at an airport hotel, guiding museum visitors through immersive exhibits, or assisting travelers with mobility needs across smart city terminals. These aren't far-off visions — they're near-future realities. And they touch every one of our verticals: smart mobility, service automation, hospitality innovation, and guest experience design.

But with innovation comes responsibility. As robots begin to mirror human behavior more closely — walking, talking, even emoting — we must ask the deeper questions: How do we design for trust? How do we ensure empathy doesn’t get lost in efficiency?

NEO is more than a milestone in robotics. It’s a signal of what’s next — a world where technology doesn’t just serve us from behind the scenes, but walks beside us, shaping experiences, solving challenges, and redefining human connection in the spaces we travel.

At BAE Ventures, we’re investing in that future — boldly, thoughtfully, and human-first.