The Future of Humanoid Robotics: 1X Technologies Acquires Kind Humanoid

A New Milestone in Robotics

On January 27, 2025, the robotics world witnessed a significant step forward when Christoph Kohstall, founder of Kind Humanoid, announced his company’s acquisition by 1X Technologies. Sharing the news on X (formerly Twitter), Kohstall expressed his excitement about joining forces with the 1X team. This partnership brings together two companies with complementary missions to accelerate innovation in humanoid robotics.

The Journey of Kind Humanoid

Kind Humanoid began its journey in 2023 as a startup in Palo Alto, led by Christoph Kohstall, a Stanford scientist and former member of Google’s robotics team. The company aimed to create robots that could integrate seamlessly into homes and healthcare, focusing on meaningful human-robot interactions. Their flagship creation, Mona, impressed audiences with its human-like motion capabilities and decision-making driven by large language models. Kind Humanoid embodied a vision of robotics centered around empathy and connection, true to its name.

1X Technologies: Pioneers in Humanoid Robotics

1X Technologies, with offices in Norway and California, has established itself as a leader in safe, intelligent humanoid robots designed to work alongside humans. Backed by $100 million in Series B funding, the company is driven by its mission to create an “abundance of labor” through advanced robotics. Known for prototypes like the NEO Beta, 1X has been exploring groundbreaking applications in voice control and task chaining.

The acquisition of Kind Humanoid is a strategic move to integrate Kohstall’s innovative designs and expertise, further strengthening 1X’s portfolio of general-purpose humanoid robots.

A Shared Vision for Robotics

The partnership between Kind Humanoid and 1X Technologies represents more than a business deal—it’s a union of shared philosophies and goals. Kohstall emphasized this alignment, stating, “Joining 1X feels like the perfect next chapter for Kind Humanoid. From starting in a small garage to becoming part of a team that shares our belief in humanoids living and learning among us, this acquisition brings our vision closer to reality.”

1X CEO Bernt Børnich highlighted the synergy, noting the rare alignment of engineering prowess and strategic vision in Kohstall’s work.

What This Means for the Future

The merger signals a new era in humanoid robotics, where functionality and safety meet meaningful human interaction. With Kohstall joining 1X in the Bay Area, the collaboration is expected to fast-track advancements in household robotics, paving the way for robots that support caregiving, logistics, and daily tasks.

The acquisition also reflects a broader trend of consolidation within the robotics industry, where companies are pooling resources and expertise to bring humanoid robots into everyday life.

Conclusion

The acquisition of Kind Humanoid by 1X Technologies is a pivotal moment for the robotics industry, marking the start of a new chapter in the development of intelligent, human-centric robots. This partnership underscores the importance of aligning technology with empathy, creating tools that enhance our lives while fostering connection.

As these two innovators combine their strengths, the future of humanoid robotics looks brighter than ever. Stay tuned for updates on their progress as they shape the next wave of robotics innovation.

Referenced Links

1. Christoph Kohstall’s announcement on X: Kind Humanoid joins 1X

2. TechCrunch article on the acquisition: OpenAI-backed 1X acquires Kind Humanoid

3. 1X Technologies and their advancements in robotics: 1X Technologies Overview