Hugging Face, a leader in open-source artificial intelligence, has unveiled two innovative humanoid robots: HopeJR and Reachy Mini. This development signifies a significant advancement in making robotics more accessible and customizable for a broad range of users.
HopeJR: A Full-Size Humanoid Robot
HopeJR is a full-scale humanoid robot featuring 66 actuated degrees of freedom, enabling it to perform complex movements such as walking and object manipulation. Designed with affordability in mind, HopeJR is estimated to cost approximately $3,000 per unit. Its open-source nature allows users to assemble, modify, and understand its workings, fostering a collaborative environment for innovation in robotics. As Remi Cadene, a robotics engineer at Hugging Face, highlighted, HopeJR is capable of walking, manipulating many objects, open-source and costs under $3000.
Reachy Mini: A Desktop Companion for AI Applications
Complementing HopeJR, Reachy Mini is a compact, desktop-sized robot designed to interact through head movements, speech, and auditory inputs. Priced between $250 and $300, Reachy Mini serves as an accessible platform for testing and developing AI applications, making it an ideal tool for researchers and hobbyists alike.
Open-Source Philosophy and Accessibility
Hugging Face’s commitment to open-source development is evident in these new robots. By providing the designs and code openly, the company aims to democratize robotics, allowing a diverse community to contribute to and benefit from advancements in the field. This approach ensures that robotics development is not confined to a few large corporations but is accessible to individuals and smaller organizations.
Integration of Pollen Robotics
The development of HopeJR and Reachy Mini was facilitated by Hugging Face’s recent acquisition of Pollen Robotics, a French startup known for its open-source humanoid robot, Reachy 2. This acquisition has provided Hugging Face with enhanced capabilities in robotics, enabling the creation of these new models. As Clem Delangue, co-founder and CEO of Hugging Face, stated, the Pollen team brought new capabilities essential for developing these robots.
Advancements in Robotic Arms: The SO-101
In addition to humanoid robots, Hugging Face has made strides in robotic arm technology. The company released the SO-101, an updated version of its 3D-printed, programmable robotic arm. Developed in collaboration with French robotics firm The Robot Studio, the SO-101 is designed to be affordable and customizable, aligning with Hugging Face’s mission to make robotics accessible to a wider audience. ([gigazine.net](https://gigazine.net/gsc_news/en/20250501-hugging-face-robotic-arm/?utm_source=openai))
LeRobot Platform: A Hub for Robotics Development
Hugging Face’s LeRobot platform serves as a comprehensive resource for building robotics systems. Launched in 2024, LeRobot offers a collection of open AI models, datasets, and tools, supporting the development and training of robotic applications. The platform’s expansion includes partnerships with AI startups like Yaak, enhancing its training data for self-driving machines and other robotic applications.
Future Prospects and Availability
While specific shipping dates for HopeJR and Reachy Mini have not been finalized, Hugging Face anticipates that initial units will be available by the end of the year. A waitlist is currently open for interested parties. This initiative reflects Hugging Face’s ongoing commitment to advancing open-source robotics and making sophisticated robotic technology more accessible and affordable.
