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White House Official Claims U.S. Tech Can ‘Manipulate Time and Space

White House Science and Technology Director Michael Kratsios, speaking at the Endless Frontiers Retreat in Austin, Texas, urged Americans to choose a new “golden age of innovation,” claiming U.S. technology now allows us to manipulate time and space—a bold statement intended to rally support for renewed focus on AI, biotech, and semiconductors alongside policy actions like tariff exemptions and efficiency drives.

Summary

  • Michael Kratsios spoke at the Endless Frontiers Retreat, an invite‑only summit on American innovation in Austin, Texas
  • He contrasted today’s pace of change with America’s mid‑20th century boom, calling current progress a “stagnation” by choice
  • Kratsios declared, “Our technologies permit us to manipulate time and space. They leave distance annihilated, cause things to grow, and improve productivity”
  • Specific technologies were not detailed, but he referenced artificial intelligence, biotech, and semiconductors
  • Reuters and NewsChannel9 also covered his remarks, noting their metaphorical nature
  • Axios reported this was Kratsios’s first on‑the‑record public address at the retreat, with over 200 attendees from across administrations and industries
  • A White House fact sheet directed agencies to “make maximum use of technology” for efficiency and infrastructure
  • Newsweek noted public speculation about literal time‑travel tech, though Kratsios spoke metaphorically
  • Hoodline highlighted his warning against complacency and call to revive American ambition
  • The summit is co‑hosted by the Council on Foreign Relations, UT Austin, Rice, Texas A&M, and Baylor

White House Official Claims U.S. Tech Can 'Manipulate Time and Space

Background: A Call to Innovation

In mid‑April 2025, more than 200 leaders from former Trump, Biden, Obama, and Bush administrations, along with defense experts, lawmakers, scientists, and investors, gathered in Austin for the Endless Frontiers Retreat. The goal was to chart a path for U.S. technological leadership and national security during global competition, moving dialogue beyond traditional hubs like New York or California. Michael Kratsios, the White House Science and Technology Director under the Trump administration, delivered his first on‑record speech at this event, setting the tone for a strategy to reclaim American preeminence through cutting‑edge R&D.

The Bold Claim: Manipulating Time and Space

Kratsios framed today’s moment as a choice: we can either accept slow progress or ignite a new golden age of American innovation. He did not specify a single device or breakthrough, but painted a picture of technologies so advanced they could warp our experience of distance and productivity.

“Our technologies permit us to manipulate time and space. They leave distance annihilated, cause things to grow, and improve productivity.”
— Michael Kratsios thenationaldesk.com

This vivid language captured headlines and prompted discussions on what “manipulate time and space” truly means in practical terms.

The Technologies: AI, Biotech, and Semiconductors

While Kratsios left much unsaid, his reference to artificial intelligence, biotech, and semiconductors points toward sectors driving today’s most dynamic breakthroughs. Below is a snapshot of each field’s promise and current challenges.

Technology Potential Impact Key Challenge
Artificial Intelligence Automated discovery, predictive models Ethical use, data privacy
Biotechnology Gene editing, personalized medicine Regulation, public acceptance
Semiconductors Faster computing, robust supply chains Geopolitical supply restrictions

(Table 1: Major fields Kratsios cited and their outlook.)

Policy Implications: Tariffs and Efficiency Drive

Kratsios’s remarks coincided with the Trump administration’s decision to exempt Apple watches, laptops, and semiconductor equipment from steep Chinese‑import tariffs, a move aimed at supporting U.S. tech firms caught in trade tensions. Simultaneously, a presidential memo urged federal agencies to “make maximum use of technology” in infrastructure and government services, underlining the belief that better tech adoption can bridge the gap between policy goals and citizen needs.

Comparing Innovation Eras

Kratsios contrasted the present with America’s mid‑20th century innovation surge, which saw landmark achievements from landing on the Moon to the birth of the modern computer. Today, he argues, regulatory hurdles and risk aversion have slowed progress. The table below outlines these eras:

Era Time Period Notable Achievements Innovation Speed
Mid‑20th Century 1940s–1960s Apollo missions, transistor invention Rapid, government‑led
Early 21st Century Stagnation 2000s–2020s Internet era maturation, initial AI advances Moderate, private‑sector driven

(Table 2: Comparison of American innovation across eras.)

Looking Ahead: Choosing the Golden Age

In a White House‑published speech, Kratsios urged Americans to embrace both political and technological arenas to secure liberty and prosperity for future generations. He emphasized that victory requires participation from business, education, and laboratories alike, warning against withdrawal or retreat in the face of regulation and election cycles. Critics question the lack of concrete plans, but supporters see his words as a rallying cry to revitalize U.S. leadership in science and industry.

Facts

  • The phrase “Endless Frontiers” echoes the 1945 report to President Truman that launched the NSF.
  • Austin, Texas, is now a major hub for defense tech conferences.
  • Kratsios served as the first Senate‑confirmed CTO of the U.S. from 2019 to 2021.
  • The tariff exemptions covered over 300 product categories.
  • Some attendees joked they wanted literal time‑travel after hearing the speech.

References

1X to Test Humanoid Robots in Hundreds of Homes by 2025

1X, a Norwegian startup, is starting tests for its humanoid robot, Neo Gamma, in many homes by the end of 2025. The robot is controlled by remote operators at first. This testing helps the company gather real-life data to make the robot smarter and safer. The project is part of a growing trend in home robotics, with competitors like Figure also testing similar robots. The idea is to learn from everyday use, keep users’ privacy safe, and slowly move towards full robot independence.

Summary:

  • 1X will test its robot Neo Gamma in hundreds to thousands of homes by the end of 2025

  • Remote operators help control the robot until it learns to work on its own

  • Neo Gamma can perform simple home tasks like vacuuming and watering plants

  • Users can control when their home data is shared, protecting their privacy

  • Competitors like Figure are also testing home robots to improve their technology

  • Partnerships with big names like OpenAI and Nvidia support the project

  • Real home tests will give useful data to make the robot safer and smarter

  • This project is a small step toward fully independent home robots

1X to Test Humanoid Robots in Hundreds of Homes by 2025

Introduction

In a world where technology is changing fast, robots are becoming more common in our daily lives. 1X is a Norwegian startup that wants to bring its new robot, Neo Gamma, into real homes. This test will let people try out the robot and help the company make it better. The robot will do basic jobs around the house while being guided by a person who controls it from far away. This method is used until the robot can learn to work by itself.

Background and Testing Program Details

1X plans to start testing Neo Gamma in many homes by the end of 2025. The company will not sell the robot right away. Instead, they will use early tests to collect real-world data. The robot is not yet fully smart or independent. Right now, people called teleoperators help guide the robot using live video and sensor data.

This testing method helps 1X see how the robot behaves in real-life situations. It will perform tasks such as cleaning floors, watering indoor plants, and moving around without bumping into furniture. The live tests are very important because they show what works well and what needs improvement.

1X to Test Humanoid Robots in Hundreds of Homes by 2025

Below is a table that explains some of Neo Gamma’s key features:

Feature Description
Onboard AI Uses a smart system developed by 1X with help from partners like OpenAI and Nvidia
Teleoperation Human operators control the robot from a distance to help it move and work correctly
Safety Measures A soft, knitted nylon suit is used to lessen injuries if the robot touches a person
Home Tasks Designed to do simple jobs like cleaning, watering, and moving around

The use of teleoperators is a practical step while the robot learns. This method is like training wheels on a bike—it helps Neo Gamma get better at understanding and reacting to the home environment.

Technology and Features

Neo Gamma is built with technology that helps it walk, balance, and do simple jobs. The robot’s smart system learns from the data it collects during these tests. Every time the robot moves, it sends information back to 1X. This data is used to improve the AI system, making the robot more capable over time.

The design of Neo Gamma also has safety in mind. Its body is covered with a knitted nylon suit. This suit is not only comfortable but also helps reduce the risk of injury if the robot accidentally bumps into someone. Although the robot is still being fine-tuned, its simple tasks and controlled operation in a home setting are an important first step toward a more independent machine.

Below is a table that compares Neo Gamma with a similar product from a competitor, Figure:

Aspect Neo Gamma (1X) Competitor (Figure)
Testing Method Uses remote control (teleoperation) in real homes Also uses early home tests for its robots
AI Development In-house AI with some help from partners like OpenAI and Nvidia Focuses on funding and partnerships to improve their robot technology
Safety Features Has a special knitted suit to help protect people during interactions Safety features are still being detailed by the company
Market Approach Gathers data from real users to help train the robot’s AI Plans to scale quickly with heavy funding

The table shows that both companies use similar strategies, but 1X is careful with privacy and user safety.

Privacy and Data Collection

A big worry with testing home robots is privacy. When a robot works in your home, it collects data through cameras and microphones. This data is needed to help the robot learn. However, 1X makes sure that users have control over this process. Homeowners can decide when a remote operator can view the robot’s video feed. This control helps protect personal privacy and builds trust between users and the company.

The company explains that all data is used only to improve the robot. Users will have clear options to turn on or off any data sharing features. By being open about how data is used, 1X hopes to make users feel safe and respected.

Market and Industry Trends

The test for Neo Gamma comes at a time when home robots are gaining interest. Companies around the world are trying to make robots that can help at home. For example, Figure is also testing robots in homes. Recently, Figure was talked about in the news because it is close to a big funding deal.

Large companies like OpenAI are also interested in building home robots. These companies work together sometimes to share ideas and improve the technology. The friendly competition in this field makes everyone work harder and faster to solve problems. This means that soon, home robots might become a normal part of our daily lives.

The market is looking for safe, easy-to-use robots that can help with small tasks. The more data companies can collect, the better the robots will work. In this way, home tests are very important. They show what changes are needed and help the technology move forward.

Future Prospects and Challenges

Neo Gamma is just a start. The long-term goal is to create a robot that can work on its own without human help. For now, teleoperators are needed to guide it. Over time, as more data is collected, the robot will learn to handle tasks by itself.

There are still many challenges. Technical problems like short battery life, weak Wi-Fi signals, and occasional mistakes can happen. For example, at a test event, Neo Gamma once shook and even fell due to low battery and bad Wi-Fi. These issues show that there is a long way to go before the robot can be fully trusted for everyday use.

1X is ready to learn from these challenges. Every problem gives the team a chance to fix and improve the robot. As the robot becomes smarter, it will do more on its own, and the need for remote operators will fade. The progress is slow but steady.

Facts

Humanoid robots have been a part of human dreams and stories for a long time. Movies, books, and TV shows often imagine a future with helpful robots. Today, thanks to advances in technology, that future is slowly coming true. Robots like Neo Gamma show us that even small steps can lead to big changes.

References

1X Neo
Twitter Video
TechCrunch Article
Bloomberg Article

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