1X Technologies AS, established in 2014, is gearing up to commercialize its humanoid robot, NEO, by making strategic additions to its leadership team. This move signifies the company’s intent to revolutionize the humanoid robotics market. NEO, known for its muscle-like anatomy that eschews hydraulics, aims to perform tasks through voice commands and natural language processing. The company also received $100 million in Series B funding backed by OpenAI, further bolstering its market ambitions.
New Appointments to Drive Growth
1X Technologies has welcomed Jorge Milburn, Dar Sleeper, and Per Selvaag to its leadership team. Jorge Milburn joins as vice president of sales, bringing a decade of experience from Tesla. Per Selvaag takes on the role of vice president of design, and Dar Sleeper assumes the position of vice president of growth. These hires are aimed at enhancing the company’s product design and user experience.
“I am thrilled to welcome Jorge, Per and Dar,” stated Bernt Øivind Børnich, CEO of 1X. “Their expertise will be crucial as we prepare to bring NEO to market and enhance our products’ design and user experience.”
Jorge Milburn, who led Tesla’s car business in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, is notable for his role in developing the Supercharger network and launching the Model 3 in Europe. Similarly, Dar Sleeper, formerly a product manager at Tesla, has been influential in campaigns for electric vehicles like the Cybertruck.
Expanding Technological Capabilities
Per Selvaag brings over two decades of design and robotics experience, including roles at BMW and Automobile Peugeot. His expertise in human-centered design and data analytics will be crucial for 1X’s future projects. The company has also made significant advancements in AI and teleoperation to improve the autonomous behaviors of its robots.
Comparatively, previous reports on 1X Technologies have focused on the company’s innovative approach to robotics, particularly its use of muscle-like structures in NEO. This differs from the traditional hydraulic systems used by other humanoid robots in the market. Additionally, the company’s collaboration with OpenAI has been a focal point, emphasizing the integration of advanced AI technologies for more complex task management. These aspects underline 1X’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of what humanoid robots can achieve.
Unlike earlier updates that highlighted technical developments and funding, the current focus on leadership and strategic appointments marks a shift toward commercial readiness. By bringing in experienced professionals from Tesla and BMW, 1X aims to leverage their expertise to refine product design, improve user experience, and accelerate market entry. These strategic hires demonstrate the company’s readiness to transition from development to commercialization effectively.
The strategic appointments of Jorge Milburn, Dar Sleeper, and Per Selvaag signal 1X Technologies’ commitment to enhancing its organizational capabilities as it prepares to market NEO. These hires bring valuable experience from leading companies like Tesla and BMW, aiming to refine product design and user experience. The company continues its strides in AI and teleoperation, with NEO set to perform complex tasks through voice commands. This move aligns with 1X’s broader mission to create intelligent, safe, and efficient humanoid robots.
