The OpenAI-backed company 1X obtains the Kind Humanoid.

The field of humanoid robotics is witnessing a major shift as 1X, a leading AI-driven robotics company, has officially acquired Kind Humanoid, a Norwegian robotics startup. This acquisition marks a significant consolidation in the sector and signals rapid advancements in 2025, particularly in the development of humanoid robots designed for human collaboration and labor assistance.

Strategic Expansion and Industry Consolidation

The acquisition of Kind Humanoid by 1X reflects the growing interest in humanoid robotics as companies strive to integrate artificial intelligence with human-like automation. With the robotics industry becoming increasingly competitive, this move positions 1X as a dominant player, leveraging Kind Humanoid’s expertise to accelerate its mission of creating safe and intelligent humanoid robots.

CEO Christoph Kohstall, a former Google robotics researcher, provided insights into the company’s unique operational setup. A recent virtual tour of 1X’s East Bay headquarters revealed their unconventional yet innovative workspace, where instead of a traditional ceiling-mounted gantry system, the team utilizes an $80 coat rack to facilitate robotic development. This emphasis on efficiency and cost-effective solutions underscores the startup’s resourceful approach to robotics engineering.

Investments and Strategic Partnerships

Kind Humanoid has drawn interest from multiple robotics companies, particularly for its expertise in applying large language models to humanoid robotics. With AI-driven robotics gaining traction, firms are increasingly exploring general intelligence solutions to enhance robot autonomy and functionality.

1X has also attracted significant attention due to its generative AI-driven approach to robotics. The company successfully raised $100 million in January, with backing from prominent investors including Tiger Global and OpenAI. The latter’s involvement is particularly noteworthy, given the ongoing interest in platforms like ChatGPT and the broader applications of AI in automation.

The Vision for Humanoid Robotics

1X’s acquisition of Kind Humanoid is built on the shared belief that humanoid robots should be designed to work alongside humans, learning from them in real-world environments. The mission aligns with the broader industry trend of developing robotics that integrate seamlessly into human workflows, enhancing productivity rather than replacing human labor outright.

A key differentiator for Kind Humanoid has been its focus on human-robot interaction, emphasizing how robots can live and learn in dynamic environments. This perspective is becoming increasingly valuable as companies push towards developing machines capable of complex decision-making, problem-solving, and natural language communication.

Expansion Plans and Future Outlook

The acquisition will enable 1X to expand its operations in the Bay Area, leveraging Kind Humanoid’s talent and technology to enhance its existing robotic platforms. While the exact financial terms of the acquisition remain undisclosed, industry experts believe this move will significantly accelerate the development and deployment of humanoid robots in commercial settings.

As robotics continues to evolve, this acquisition highlights the increasing role of AI in shaping next-generation humanoid machines. With 1X and Kind Humanoid joining forces, the future of humanoid robotics looks poised for groundbreaking advancements in both intelligence and human collaboration.