Hugging Face has recently introduced an exciting opportunity for developers to engage with its newest robotics innovation. The AI development platform has launched its Reachy Mini desktop robots, which are now available for order. Earlier in May, the company had introduced prototypes of these devices, including a larger humanoid robot called HopeJR. The Reachy Minis come in two versions: the Reachy Mini Wireless priced at $449, running on a Raspberry 5 mini computer, and the Reachy Mini Lite at $299, which requires connection to a computing source. These open-source robots come as a kit for developers to assemble themselves.
The Reachy Minis are compact, resembling a standard stuffed animal, equipped with two eye screens and antennas. Once assembled, these robots are fully programmable using Python. Additionally, they are pre-loaded with various demos and are integrated with the Hugging Face Hub, providing access to over 1.7 million AI models and more than 400,000 datasets. Clém Delangue, the CEO of Hugging Face, explained that feedback on the initial prototype prompted the company to release two versions. An early tester discovered that their daughter was eager to carry the desktop robot around, leading to the creation of the Reachy Mini Lite.
The target audience for these robots is AI developers, as they offer a platform for coding, building, and testing AI applications. Delangue emphasized the importance of open-source hardware, granting users complete control over the device. Hugging Face aims to foster creativity by allowing users to develop and share specific features and apps for the Reachy Mini. The Reachy Mini Lite is expected to begin shipping next month, followed by the wireless version later this year. Delangue highlighted the company’s commitment to promptly shipping orders to ensure users receive the robots quickly.
In embracing open-source principles, Hugging Face envisions a future where robotics are not monopolized by a few companies, emphasizing the importance of user control and understanding. This approach reflects the company’s broader vision for its robotics program. By empowering users to modify and extend the Reachy Mini, Hugging Face aims to cultivate a community-driven ecosystem of diverse applications and features. As the company emphasizes rapid deployment and user empowerment, the release of the Reachy Mini robots signifies a significant step towards democratizing robotics technology.
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