Hugging Face Enters Robotics Arena with Affordable Open-Source Humanoids: HopeJR and Reachy Mini
Hugging Face, the well-known AI development platform, is making a significant push into the world of robotics. They've just unveiled two new open-source humanoid robots, named HopeJR and Reachy Mini, aiming to democratize access to advanced robotic technology.
HopeJR is a full-sized humanoid robot boasting an impressive 66 actuated degrees of freedom. This means it has 66 independent movements, enabling it to walk, move its arms, and potentially even break out some dance moves. According to Hugging Face, the robot will cost around $3,000 per unit.
Reachy Mini, on the other hand, is a smaller, desktop unit designed for testing AI applications. It can move its head, talk, and listen – ideal for developers exploring the intersection of AI and robotics. The price for Reachy Mini is estimated to be between $250 and $300, depending on tariffs. Initial deliveries are expected by the end of the year, and a waitlist is currently open.
Clem Delangue, Hugging Face's co-founder and CEO, emphasized the importance of the open-source nature of these robots, stating that it allows anyone to assemble, rebuild, and understand their workings. He believes this approach prevents the robotics field from being dominated by a few large players with opaque, “black-box systems.”
This venture into robotics was significantly aided by Hugging Face's April 2025 acquisition of humanoid robotics startup Pollen Robotics. Delangue noted that the Pollen team brought “new capabilities” crucial for developing these robots.
Hugging Face has been actively expanding its presence in the robotics industry. This began with the launch of LeRobot, a comprehensive collection of open AI models, datasets, and tools specifically designed for building robotics systems. They’ve also released an updated version of the 3D-printed robotic arm, the SO-101, built in partnership with The Robot Studio. Further bolstering their LeRobot platform, Hugging Face has partnered with AI startup Yaak to enhance training data for self-driving machines.
The company's progression from chatbot development to robotics showcases a significant shift in focus. Originally known for emotional companionship chatbots, Hugging Face has strategically leveraged acquisitions like Pollen Robotics to expand its capabilities and impact.
Hugging Face's affordable pricing strategy for humanoid robots aligns with the open-source robotics movement, aiming to make advanced technology accessible to a wider audience. Experts like Brian Gerkey, CTO of Intrinsic, have highlighted that open-source approaches accelerate the adoption of robotics across various sectors.
The launch of HopeJR and Reachy Mini sparks an interesting question: how will open-source humanoid robots reshape industries from manufacturing to education and beyond? What innovations will a broader access to robotics enable?
Share your thoughts and predictions in the comments below! What will the future of open source robotics look like?
