5 Ways OpenAI's New Robot Changes Everything in 2026

OpenAI just dropped $23.5 million into a Norwegian robotics company most people have never heard of. That's not pocket change, even for them. The company is 1X (formerly Halodi), and they're building humanoid robots that move like humans instead of the jerky, mechanical movements we're used to seeing. Their Neo android isn't some lab experiment either. It's designed for actual commercial deployment by 2024, starting with security operations. Here's what makes this different from every other "robots are coming" story: 1X uses proprietary artificial muscle technology. Think less Terminator, more like how your actual muscles work. This makes them safer around humans and way more versatile than traditional servo-motor robots. And get this: they're already working. ADT has 1X robots doing security patrols right now. Not in five years, not "coming soon." Today. In This Episode: > Why OpenAI chose physical robotics as their next big bet > How artificial muscles actually work (it's pretty wild) > What ADT learned from deploying these robots in real security operations > The timeline for widespread commercial deployment > Why this approach might finally crack the humanoid robot problem James breaks down the technical details without the engineering jargon, plus what this means for jobs, security, and why OpenAI thinks the future of AI isn't just chatbots. Timestamps: 00:00 OpenAI's $23.5M robotics bet 02:15 What makes 1X different 04:30 Artificial muscles explained 07:00 Real-world deployment results 09:45 Commercial timeline and implications The AI industry moves fast, and physical robotics just became the next frontier. Follow Unboxed for daily updates on what's actually happening in AI, not just the hype. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices