Hugging Face Launches Two Cutting-Edge Humanoid Robots
▼ Summary
– Hugging Face released two open-source humanoid robots, HopeJR (full-size, 66 actuated movements) and Reachy Mini (desktop unit for AI testing).
– HopeJR costs under $3,000, while Reachy Mini is priced at $250–$300, with shipping expected to start by year-end.
– The robots are open-source, allowing users to assemble, rebuild, and understand their design to democratize robotics.
– The release was enabled by Hugging Face’s acquisition of Pollen Robotics, which provided new capabilities for robot development.
– Hugging Face has expanded its robotics efforts, including the LeRobot platform and partnerships like the SO-101 robotic arm with The Robot Studio.
Hugging Face has unveiled two groundbreaking humanoid robots, marking another leap forward in accessible robotics technology. The AI development platform introduced HopeJR and Reachy Mini, both designed as open-source systems to democratize advanced robotics. HopeJR stands out as a full-scale humanoid with 66 degrees of freedom, enabling lifelike movements such as walking and precise arm manipulation. Meanwhile, Reachy Mini serves as a compact, interactive unit ideal for testing AI applications, featuring speech, listening capabilities, and responsive head movements.
Priced at under $3,000 for HopeJR and approximately $250–$300 for Reachy Mini, these robots aim to break down cost barriers in robotics development. Clem Delangue, Hugging Face’s CEO, emphasized the importance of open-source accessibility, stating that the initiative prevents robotics from being monopolized by large corporations with opaque systems. The project gained momentum following Hugging Face’s recent acquisition of Pollen Robotics, a humanoid robotics startup that contributed key expertise to the designs.
The company hasn’t finalized shipping timelines but anticipates delivering initial units by year-end, with a waitlist already open for pre-orders. This launch builds on Hugging Face’s growing influence in robotics, including last year’s LeRobot platform for AI-driven robotics tools and partnerships with firms like The Robot Studio to produce programmable robotic arms.
By prioritizing affordability and transparency, Hugging Face continues to challenge industry norms, empowering developers and researchers to experiment with advanced robotics without prohibitive costs. The release underscores the company’s commitment to fostering innovation through collaborative, open-source solutions.
(Source: TechCrunch)
