Robotics for the home just got more accessible. Nori Robotics, a Y Combinator-backed company, has introduced the A3 robot, a humanoid assistant priced under $1,700 that can help with laundry, kitchen tasks, and more — and invites owners to tailor its abilities themselves.
- A3 robot priced at $1,688, significantly cheaper than competitors
- Users can train and customize robot skills via an app or coding
- First batch of 100 units sold out; new batch ships this fall
What happened
Nori Robotics from San Francisco has unveiled its A3 humanoid household robot that offers an affordable solution for routine chores. Priced at just $1,688, the A3 is equipped with two arms capable of grabbing and lifting light objects, supported by navigation technology such as LiDAR and cameras to move reliably around the home. Tasks like cooking support, laundry folding, and dish loading are within its capabilities.
Unlike other high-cost household robots that come with fixed functions, the A3 is designed with flexibility in mind. Buyers can pre-order the robot, and the first batch of roughly 100 units quickly sold out. The company plans to release a second batch this fall, aiming to attract early adopters who enjoy controlling and programming their robot's skills.
Why it feels good
The A3 robot represents a democratization of humanoid helpers by making them both affordable and customizable for the average household. Unlike pricier robots requiring teleoperation, the A3 encourages owners to personally train their machines, fostering a deeper connection and potentially making the robot more useful over time. This hands-on approach opens the door for hobbyists, developers, and families to tailor the device to their unique needs.
The accessibility of this technology means that home robotics may soon be within reach for many, helping reduce daily chore burdens and improving quality of life. The commitment to user-driven improvements through an online marketplace where owners can share and download new skills also encourages a community-centered innovation spirit.
What to enjoy or watch next
Keep an eye on the upcoming shipments of the A3 this fall as it reaches more households eager to test its capabilities. Potential buyers with technical skills or curiosity about robotics will find the training and coding features especially appealing. Tracking how well the community evolves the robot’s skills will also provide insight into its long-term value beyond basic chores.
Additionally, comparisons with other robots like Weave Robotics’ Isaac 1 and the bipedal 1X Neo will be interesting, especially given their higher prices and different feature sets. Nori’s emphasis on accessibility and customization may set a new trend in the household robot market, inspiring other companies to rethink how people interact with and adapt robotic helpers.