1X and EQT Forge Landmark Alliance for Mass Humanoid Robot Deployment

Daily Technology

12/12/2025

AI and robotics company 1X has announced a strategic partnership with private equity leader EQT. The deal will speed up the commercial use of general purpose humanoid robots. From 2026 - 2030 up to 10,000 humanoid robots will be placed inside EQT's global network of more than 300 companies. This marks the point where humanoid robots move from idea to enterprise ready tools.

Key Points

The two parties intend to supply up to 10,000 humanoid robots to EQT portfolio companies between 2026 plus 2030.
EQT portfolio companies will receive early access to 1X production lines and integration support.
The partners will focus on industrial software, logistics, warehousing, manufacturing, facility operations but also healthcare.
Pilot programs will start in the United States in 2026 then expand into Europe besides Asia.

Bringing Humanoid Robots into the Mainstream Economy

1X, creator of the NEO humanoid robot or EQT will introduce humanoid robots into everyday business. EQT's global reach and operational know how will help 1X deploy its technology safely, responsibly and at scale. The project tackles urgent issues like workforce change as well as rising operational demands.

Supporting Businesses and Workers

EQT portfolio companies will receive early shipments of 1X humanoid robots and may gain a competitive advantage. Robots will work beside human staff to raise output or safety. The focus falls on logistics manufacturing and healthcare, where labor shortages also efficiency gaps are acute.

A Plan for the Future of Work

1X and EQT share the goal of adding humanoid robots to the global economy in a responsible way. The partners will show how advanced robots raise productivity, strengthen safety standards next to support labor models that remain viable over time. Bernt Øivind Børnich, Founder next to CEO of 1X, said, “Together, we aim to demonstrate how humanoid robots can enhance productivity, improve safety and create more sustainable labor models worldwide.”

Ted Persson, Lead Partner at EQT Ventures, underlined the transformative effect: “This isn’t about replacing people - it is about giving them superpowers. By placing 1X technology inside our portfolio companies, we help them solve labor shortages, raise safety levels plus reach new productivity heights.”

Staged Global Launch

After the first pilot programs in the United States in 2026, the partners will expand quickly into Europe besides Asia. This staged rollout confirms 1X as a front runner in the race to sell general purpose humanoid robots at scale.

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