Who Owns the Machine? Reflections on Neo, AI, and the Meaning of Autonomy
At the end of October 2025, 1X Technologies' humanoid robot Neo swept through the tech world like a heatwave. This sleek robot, backed by OpenAI, is touted as the first truly home-friendly physical assistant.
Priced at around $20,000 or $499 per month for leasing, Neo can clean, carry items, and even learn new tasks through imitation. In just a few days, it became the internet's focal point — seemingly, a tireless family companion has finally arrived.
Yet, behind the cheers, a profound reflection on "autonomy" quietly unfolds. Remote control offers the illusion of convenience, but it exposes a core pain point in the AI industry: human operators still lurk in the shadows, and what happens to your privacy data?
As Curious CEO David Tomasian puts it:
"True autonomy is the only way machines can belong to us."
An Illusion: The Myth of Humanoid Robot "Autonomy"
Neo's launch is indeed exhilarating: standing 5 feet 6 inches tall and weighing 66 pounds, it uses tendon-driven actuators mimicking human muscles, wrapped in a soft shell for safety. Hugging Face co-founder Thomas Wolf exclaimed on X that Neo has "advanced" his timeline for home robot adoption.
In demos, Neo waters plants, opens doors, washes clothes, and scrubs dishes, turning mundane chores into something poetic and efficient.
But this excitement was quickly doused by reality. The Wall Street Journal's hands-on report reveals that many of Neo's movements are still remotely controlled in real time by "experts" via VR.
This isn't sci-fi — it's the current state of AI, where remote piloting aids companies in training models through imitation and reinforcement learning, yet reduces the robot from "independent helper" to "human extension."
Tomasian sharply notes that under this model, your "private robot" isn't truly private: it not only observes your life but uploads data to the cloud, fueling the manufacturer's training.
When a robot can "see" your home layout, recognize your voice, and analyze your habits — yet remains tethered to the manufacturer's servers — who does it really belong to?
From Factory to Home: The Privacy Cost Beneath Autonomy
The wave of humanoid robots is flowing from factories to living rooms. Figure AI's Figure 02 and Tesla's Optimus aim to reshape industry, while Neo pushes the vision into consumer territory — not just productivity, but companionship itself.
This trend is especially urgent in elderly care. Pilot projects in Japan, Korea, and parts of Europe are testing robots for assisting daily activities, monitoring health, and providing emotional support. But Tomasian points out: "The difference between aid and true care lies in understanding context and emotion." If data isn't encrypted and stored locally, "the robot isn't yours—it's someone else's lens."
Privacy expert Kohei Kurihara disclosed on X that Neo users must sign a waiver allowing manufacturers access to certain operational data. This "tech-for-convenience" pact hides cracks in trust. A Medium article bluntly states that this $20,000 robot "needs a human babysitter", with complex tasks requiring an appointment for "expert mode," making users feel like they're renting a "surveilled puppet."
Tomasian emphasizes that for embodied intelligence to evolve like language models, three things are essential: on-device reasoning, multimodal understanding, and encrypted autonomy. AI must not just execute commands but comprehend "why" they are given, ensuring data sovereignty belongs to the user. True care reliability stems from security and privacy, not algorithmic complexity. In other words, autonomy isn't just a technical issue — it's a social contract: Machines should embody trust, not extend surveillance.
From Embodied to Digital: AI Agents' Lessons on Autonomy
Neo's controversy reflects a deeper trend: "Autonomy" isn't confined to mechanical limbs — it's also about digital intelligence. Rather than teaching robots in your living room how to wash dishes, why not have agents on the network learn to "act on your behalf"?
AI Agents are the extension of this direction. They're not humanoid replicas but digital extensions of human will — capable of executing tasks, making decisions, and completing transactions on behalf of users, with data ownership retained by the individual.
IBM's "2025 AI Agent Report" states that Agentic AI promises an 8x productivity boost, hinging on autonomous reasoning combined with privacy protection.
Google Cloud research shows 52% of enterprises using generative AI have deployed AI Agents.
Deloitte predicts half of companies will enable Agentic AI by 2027.
Gartner forecasts that within four years, agents will autonomously handle 15% of daily decisions.
This shift redefines "autonomy": no longer machines mimicking human limbs, but agents learning to represent human intent.
XWorld: A Real-World Experiment in "Machines Belonging to People"
Amid this trend, the XWorld platform's explorations stand out. Since its 2023 launch, it has built a self-sustaining "agent economy" by combining AI training with token incentives: users can create, deploy, and monetize their own AI Agents. The integration of stablecoins makes settlements lower-friction, ensuring value flows under user control.
Today, XWorld boasts over 11 million downloads and 1 million monthly actives in its Telegram MiniApp ecosystem, with cumulative token trading volume exceeding $34.7 million.
Here, autonomy is no illusion — it's a reality co-built by users, developers, and agents: machines not only execute instructions but become "intelligence we own."
Epilogue: Who Truly Owns the Machines?
Neo reminds us: when "autonomy" becomes a selling point, oversight and trust must evolve in tandem.
The future shown by the AI Agent industry offers another possibility:
Machines are no longer just used, but truly "owned";
They no longer serve the network, but human will and data sovereignty.
XWorld's experiment may provide the answer: when "agent autonomy" merges with "user ownership," machines finally begin to belong to us.
In the future, when robots no longer need human eyes, that may be humanity's true liberation.
🔗 Learn more and join XWorld
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Bitcoin is skyrocketing, XWORLD is bringing you into this wave of wealth | Complete Web3 Guide for Newbies
Web3, simply put, is the next generation of the internet. It’s a departure from the way we’re used to experiencing the online world. Unlike the traditional model, where central authorities like tech giants or governments have a strong grip on how things work, Web3 is all about decentralization. This means power is spread out across a network of users, making decisions more transparent and resistant to control.
Think of it as a shift from a top-down structure to a community-driven one. In the world of Web3, users have more say, ownership, and control over their online interactions. It’s like a digital democracy where everyone has a voice.
XWORLD, a Pioneering Web3 Games & Apps Store, was borned based on Web3 concept.
In the traditional Web2 world, people get almost no income from downloading games in the Apple App Store and posting content on Facebook, because almost 100% of the marketing expenses of games and applications go to platforms such as Apple and Facebook.
However, game application users are what innovative applications should really strive for, and they are also the people to whom marketing expenses should really be given.
Based on this concept, XWORLD is the world’s first games & applications store that distributes most of the Internet advertising revenue to users.
XWORLD is created for bringing billions of ordinary people in the world into Web3 wave of wealth. This guide is your gateway to understanding this exciting new digital landscape. We’ll break down the core principles of Web3, demystify complex terms like blockchain and dApps, and show you how these concepts are being used in real-world applications.
By the time you’re done, you’ll have a solid grasp of what Web3 is all about and (hopefully) get you acclimated to the new era of the internet.
Demystifying Web3
Web3 Defined: Often categorized as the decentralized internet, Web3 represents a departure from the centralized platforms (Web2) that currently dominate the digital space. Centralized entities like Google, Facebook, and Amazon have significant control over your data and autonomy in Web2. In contrast, Web3 seeks to decentralize and democratize that control, empowering individual users.
Blockchain & Its Significance: The blockchain is the backbone of Web3. It’s essentially a digital ledger where data is stored in ‘blocks’ and is chronologically ‘chained’ together. Every entry is transparent and immutable, which means it’s tamper-proof. The decentralized nature ensures data integrity without relying on a central authority.
Tips: As you embark on your Web3 exploration, focus on mastering the foundational concepts. Familiarize yourself with the history of Bitcoin and blockchain, its different types (e.g., public, private, consortium), and its real-world applications.
Setting Up Your Digital Wallet
The Role of Digital Wallets: Consider your digital wallet as your Web3 passport. It’s where you store digital assets like cryptocurrency, interact with dApps (decentralized applications), and authenticate transactions. Unlike traditional bank accounts, you have full custody of your funds, signifying both power and responsibility.
Wallet Varieties: From browser extensions and mobile apps to physical hardware devices, wallets come in various formats. Each has its advantages and is tailored for specific use cases.
Tips: Your wallet’s security is paramount. Whether you’re opting for MetaMask (a popular browser extension) or a hardware wallet like Ledger, always ensure you’re obtaining it from a legitimate source. Store your seed phrase (a recovery tool) securely, preferably offline, and guard it as you would your most prized possession.
Interacting with dApps, Centralized and Decentralized Exchanges, and Web3 Gaming Platforms
What is a dApp?
A dApp, or decentralized application, is a software application that runs on a blockchain network. This means that dApps are not controlled by any single entity, but rather by the network of users who participate in it. This makes dApps more transparent and resistant to censorship than traditional applications, which are typically hosted on centralized servers.
dApps and Apps on XWORLD
How do dApps work?
DApps are built on top of blockchain technology, which is a distributed ledger that records transactions in a secure and transparent way. When a user interacts with a dApp, their actions are recorded on the blockchain. This means that all transactions are visible to everyone on the network, which makes it difficult to fraud or censorship.
What are some popular types of dApps?
There are many different types of dApps, but some of the most popular ones include:
Decentralized finance (DeFi) platforms: DeFi platforms allow users to lend, borrow, and trade cryptocurrencies without the need for a traditional financial institution.
Non-fungible token (NFT) marketplaces: NFT marketplaces allow users to buy and sell NFTs, which are unique digital assets that can represent anything from art to collectibles.
Gaming dApps: Gaming dApps are blockchain-based games that allow users to earn rewards for playing.
Why are dApps important?
DApps have the potential to revolutionize the way we interact with the internet. By removing the need for centralized control, dApps can make the internet more transparent, secure, and accessible to everyone.
Like any new technology, there are some risks associated with dApps. For example, dApps are still in their early stages of development, so there is a risk of bugs and security vulnerabilities. Additionally, dApps can be complex and difficult to use, which can make them inaccessible to some users.
Despite these risks, dApps have the potential to be a major force in the future of the internet. As the technology continues to develop, we can expect to see more and more dApps being created and used.
Exchanges and Token Trading in the Web3 Ecosystem
Digital asset exchanges play a pivotal role in the cryptocurrency and Web3 landscape. These platforms enable users to trade or “swap” their digital assets, either for other tokens or fiat currency. Broadly speaking, exchanges fall under two categories: centralized (CEX) and decentralized (DEX). Each has its unique set of advantages and disadvantages, primarily revolving around custody, user interface, and functionality.
Centralized Exchanges (CEX):
Examples: Binance, Coinbase, Kraken
Custody: Centralized exchanges act as custodians. When you deposit your digital assets into a CEX, you transfer ownership to the exchange’s wallet. While you hold an IOU or a representation of your assets in your account, the actual assets are in the exchange’s custody. This means you rely on the exchange’s security measures to keep your funds safe.
User Interface: CEXs typically offer user-friendly interfaces, making them a popular choice for beginners. These platforms provide a more traditional trading experience, with features like market charts, order books, and advanced trading options.
Functionality: Beyond just trading, many CEXs offer additional services like staking, savings, or even educational resources.
Liquidity: Due to their centralized nature and large user base, CEXs usually have higher liquidity, making large trades more feasible without significant price slippage.
Regulation: Centralized exchanges are more likely to adhere to regulatory guidelines, requiring users to complete Know Your Customer (KYC) procedures, which might deter those seeking privacy.
Decentralized Exchanges (DEX):
Examples: Uniswap, Sushiswap, PancakeSwap
Custody: One of the main advantages of a DEX is the non-custodial nature. You retain ownership of your assets until the trade is executed, using smart contracts. You interact directly from your wallet, without the need to deposit funds on the platform.
User Interface: Historically, DEXs have had less intuitive interfaces compared to CEXs. However, this has been changing rapidly, with many DEXs now offering clean, user-friendly experiences. Still, they might feel more technical to newcomers.
Functionality: DEXs focus primarily on the swapping of assets. Some have added features like liquidity provision, where users can earn fees by supplying tokens to a liquidity pool.
Liquidity: DEXs might have lower liquidity compared to large CEXs, especially for less popular tokens. This can lead to higher slippage. However, liquidity aggregator DEXs are addressing this concern by pooling liquidity from various sources.
Anonymity: DEXs typically do not require KYC, attracting users who prioritize privacy. However, transactions on public blockchains are still transparent and can be traced.
Example of a DEX Interface
Gaming in Web3:
Platforms like Decentraland and Axie Infinity have burst onto the scene, transforming traditional gaming paradigms. Not only do they offer a virtual playground, but they also provide an economic incentive for players. This shift is evident in the different models these platforms embrace:
Play-to-Earn (P2E): This model, as seen in Axie Infinity, allows players to earn digital assets or tokens by participating in the game. These assets can be traded, sold, or used within the game, and often, they have real-world value. It’s a shift from the old model where players spent money on in-app purchases or cosmetics; now, they can potentially earn from their gameplay.
Virtual Real Estate: Platforms like Decentraland allow users to buy, sell, and build upon virtual land. This land has real-world value, and the scarcity of prime locations drives demand. Owners can monetize their virtual real estate by hosting advertisements, creating interactive experiences, or even leasing their land.
Staking and DeFi Integration: Some games integrate decentralized finance (DeFi) mechanisms. Players can stake their in-game assets to earn interest or leverage them in various ways, similar to traditional finance but in a decentralized setting.
Community Governance: Another hallmark of Web3 games is the power they give to their communities. Token holders often have a say in the direction of the game, from gameplay changes to economic models, allowing for a democratic and decentralized decision-making process.
Tips: Always conduct thorough research before interacting with a new dApp, exchange, or gaming platform. Be wary of platforms promising unrealistic returns or those lacking a transparent development team and community feedback.
Additional Tips and Insights
Security: Web3’s freedom comes with increased responsibility. Phishing attempts are rife. Always double-check website URLs, never share your private key or seed phrase, and utilize two-factor authentication when available.
Gas and Transaction Fees: Primarily on the Ethereum network, transactions require a fee called “gas.” This fee can fluctuate based on how busy the network is. Having a grasp of gas fees is essential to avoid excessive payments or insufficient payments, both of which might result in transaction delays.
Understanding Networks: Different blockchain platforms (like Ethereum, Binance Smart Chain, or Solana) have multiple networks. Ensure you’re on the correct network when executing transactions.
Community Engagement: Tapping into Web3 communities can be invaluable. Platforms like Reddit, Discord, or even ‘Crypto’ Twitter have myriad channels dedicated to specific dApps, games, or general Web3 discussions.
Closing Thoughts
Web3 is not merely a technological evolution; it’s a societal and philosophical shift. It promises a more inclusive, transparent, and decentralized digital future. As with any transformative journey, it requires vigilance, continuous learning, and an open yet discerning mind.
As you navigate Web3, prioritize understanding over investment. Take time to learn, experiment with small amounts, and engage with the community. Be sure to subscribe to XWORLD’s Twitter to stay current on the latest industry news and innovations in the world of Web3.
XWORLD
New-Gen Games & Apps Monetization Platform
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Socialynx Beta to Launch End of April: A Decentralized AI KOL Alliance
Internal sources from the XWorld ecosystem confirm that Socialynx, a next-generation AI-powered content platform tailored for Web3 creators, will officially enter its Beta testing phase at the end of April 2025.
Positioned at the intersection of AI and decentralized content infrastructure, Socialynx is designed to serve creators, KOLs, and Web3-native projects. It offers an all-in-one solution that combines intelligent content generation, multi-platform publishing, and tokenized monetization - empowering creators to turn influence into ownership.
“We’re not just building a tool - we’re building your AI creative partner, ready to support you at every step of your content journey" - Founding Team of Socialynx.
Key Platform Capabilities
AI-generated content based on custom keywords, optimized for Telegram, Facebook, Twitter, Lens, and other Web3 platforms
Scheduled publishing with built-in performance analytics
Seamless content tokenization and revenue-sharing capabilities via NFTs
The upcoming Beta program will offer early access to Web3 influencers, DAOs, project teams, and emerging creators. Participants will be invited to test the platform’s full feature set and provide input on product development.
Key Milestones
Whitelist registration opens: April 25, 2025
Beta feature launch: April 29, 2025
The launch of Socialynx represents a meaningful step forward in the convergence of artificial intelligence and decentralized media. By transforming content into composable, ownable assets, Socialynx is redefining what it means to be a creator in the Web3 era.
Socialynx is currently preparing for its first beta phase, with the Telegram bot set to be the initial launch point. Interested creators and collaborators are encouraged to follow their socials and stay tuned for early access updates and future announcements.
🔗 Join them on Telegram: https://t.me/socialynx_agent
🔗 Follow on X: https://x.com/socialynx_ai