Hugging Face, the popular AI development platform, is now taking orders for its innovative Reachy Mini desktop robots, designed to empower developers and fuel the creation of groundbreaking AI applications. Following the initial reveal of prototypes alongside the larger humanoid robot HopeJR in May, the company is making these accessible robotics kits a reality.
The Reachy Mini will be available in two versions: the Reachy Mini Wireless, priced at $449 and powered by a Raspberry Pi 5, offering complete wireless freedom; and the Reachy Mini Lite, a more budget-friendly option at $299, requiring a wired connection to a computing source.
These open-source robots arrive as a build-it-yourself kit, encouraging developers to dive into the hardware aspect. Roughly the size of a typical stuffed animal, the Reachy Minis feature interactive screens for eyes and charming antenna, creating an engaging platform for experimentation.
Programmed using Python, these robots come pre-loaded with demo applications and seamlessly integrate with the Hugging Face Hub. This grants users access to a vast library of over 1.7 million AI models and 400,000 datasets, opening up a world of possibilities for AI exploration.
According to Hugging Face CEO Clém Delangue, the decision to offer two versions of the Reachy Mini was driven by user feedback on the initial prototype. The desire for portability and ease of use, as demonstrated by a young tester wanting to take the robot around the house, highlighted the need for both wireless and wired options.
The company's commitment to open-source principles ensures that users have the freedom to modify and extend the Reachy Mini's capabilities. This collaborative approach aims to foster a vibrant community where developers can share their creations and build upon each other's work.
Targeting AI developers, the Reachy Mini provides a hands-on platform for coding, building, and testing AI applications directly on the robot. This allows for rapid prototyping and experimentation in a real-world setting.
Delangue envisions a future where the community contributes countless features and applications for the Reachy Mini, creating a diverse ecosystem of plug-and-play functionalities. This collaborative environment will accelerate the development and deployment of innovative AI-powered solutions.
Shipping for the Reachy Mini Lite is expected to commence next month, with the wireless version following later this year. Hugging Face prioritizes a swift delivery process to get these robots into the hands of users as quickly as possible, fostering immediate engagement and experimentation.
This launch aligns with Hugging Face's vision for its robotics program: open-source hardware that grants users complete control. Delangue emphasizes the importance of open-source robotics to prevent a future dominated by closed, proprietary systems controlled by a select few.
Hugging Face believes that empowering individuals with control over robotics technology is crucial for ensuring a future where these technologies are used responsibly and ethically. By promoting transparency and collaboration, they hope to foster a world where everyone can understand and influence the robots around them.