Hugging Face Launches Reachy Mini: Open-Source Desktop Robots for AI Enthusiasts

Hugging Face, a leading AI development platform, has announced the availability of its newest robotics release, the Reachy Mini desktop robots. These devices were first unveiled in May alongside a larger humanoid robot named HopeJR. The announcement came on Wednesday, marking a significant step in the company's mission to democratize AI and robotics. Versions and Features Hugging Face will release two versions of the Reachy Mini: the Reachy Mini Wireless and the Reachy Mini Lite. The Reachy Mini Wireless is a fully autonomous model that costs $449 and runs on a Raspberry Pi 5 mini computer. It is equipped with wireless capabilities, a battery, and an accelerometer for more advanced functions. The Reachy Mini Lite, priced at $299, is a more affordable option that requires a wired connection to a computing source but lacks the accelerometer. Both versions come with two screens for eyes, two animated antennas, a 5W speaker, and a wide-angle camera. User-Friendly Design The Reachy Mini is designed to be highly user-friendly. It arrives as a kit that developers and enthusiasts can assemble themselves, making it an excellent tool for learning and experimentation. Once assembled, the robot is fully programmable using Python, with plans to support JavaScript and Scratch in the future. This flexibility allows users to code, build, and test various AI applications right from their desks. Integration with Hugging Face Hub One of the standout features of the Reachy Mini is its integration with the Hugging Face Hub, the company's open-source machine learning platform. This integration provides users with access to over 1.7 million AI models and over 400,000 datasets. This vast resource base is intended to spur creativity and innovation among developers, enabling them to create and share unique applications and features within the community. Target Audience and Community Feedback The target audience for the Reachy Mini is primarily AI developers, hackers, researchers, teachers, and robot enthusiasts. However, the device is also suitable for parents and children interested in coding projects. Clém Delangue, the CEO of Hugging Face, emphasized the importance of user feedback in shaping the product. He mentioned that an early tester's five-year-old daughter wanted a portable robot, which led to the development of the wireless version. “We've always been building products with the help of our community, and the Reachy Mini is no exception,” Delangue said. “We aim to unleash the creativity of builders by allowing them to customize and extend the robot’s capabilities. This open-source approach ensures transparency and empowers users to understand and control the technology they use.” Shipping and Availability The Reachy Mini Lite is set to begin shipping next month, while the wireless version will be available later this year. Hugging Face chose to start shipping promptly after accepting orders to quickly engage with users and gather feedback. The company has a history of community-driven product development, and this quick turnaround is consistent with that philosophy. Technical Specifications Height: 11"/28cm (9"/23cm when sleeping) Width: 6.3"/16cm Weight: 3.3 lbs/1.5 kg Compute Compatibility: Works with Mac and Linux (plans to add Windows support) Wireless Connectivity: Only in the wireless version Sensors: Microphones (2 in Lite, 4 in Wireless), wide-angle camera, and an accelerometer (only in the wireless version) Movement Capabilities: Head movement with 6 degrees of freedom, full body rotation, and animated antennas Delivery Schedule: Late summer 2025 for the Lite version, with the wireless version rolling out in batches from fall 2025 through 2026 Vision and Philosophy Hugging Face's commitment to open-source hardware is rooted in their belief that the future of robotics should not be controlled by a select few companies. Instead, they advocate for a world where users have complete control over the robots, fostering a sense of transparency and empowerment. “I feel strongly that it’s important for the future of robotics to be open source,” Delangue stated. “A centralized system where one company controls millions of robots in homes is concerning. We want to ensure that everyone can have some control, understand, and trust the technology they interact with.” Community Engagement Hugging Face encourages users to join the Reachy Mini community on Discord to collaborate, share projects, and provide feedback. This community-driven approach is central to the company’s strategy, aiming to create a vibrant ecosystem where innovation thrives. Industry Insights Industry insiders praise Hugging Face’s move to enter the robotics market with an open-source approach. They see it as a significant step towards democratizing AI and robotics, reducing barriers to entry for aspiring developers and encouraging a more diverse and inclusive technological landscape. The integration with the company's extensive AI model library and datasets further enhances its appeal, offering a robust foundation for experimentation and learning. Company Profile Hugging Face, founded in 2016 by Clément Delangue and Julien Chaumond, is headquartered in New York City. The company is renowned for its contributions to artificial intelligence, particularly in natural language processing (NLP). Over the years, Hugging Face has built a strong reputation for its open-source philosophy, community engagement, and cutting-edge AI tools. Their latest venture into robotics with the Reachy Mini underscores their commitment to democratizing technology and empowering users to shape the future of AI and robotics.