Hugging Face, the startup renowned for its AI developer platform, has entered the robotics market with a new, affordable, and programmable robotic arm called the SO-101. Priced starting at $100, this arm is designed to perform basic tasks such as picking up and placing objects, making it an ideal choice for hobbyists and developers looking to experiment with robotic automation. The SO-101 follows the launch of Hugging Face's previous model, the SO-100, which debuted last year for around $100. Both arms were developed under the company’s robotics division, LeRobot, in collaboration with The Robot Studio, a French robotics firm. This ongoing partnership, along with new collaborations with robotics stores like WowRobo, IoT hardware suppliers such as Seeed Studio, and robotics part sellers like PartaBot, has contributed to the enhanced capabilities and affordability of the SO-101. One of the key improvements of the SO-101 over its predecessor is its faster assembly time and more efficient motors, which reduce friction and allow the arm to better support its own weight. Additionally, the new model comes equipped with a camera, enabling it to be trained using reinforcement learning—an AI technique that helps the arm "learn" to perform tasks such as picking up a Lego block and placing it in a designated bin. In a recent announcement, Clement Delangue, CEO of Hugging Face, expressed enthusiasm about the SO-101, calling it the first robot arm that any AI builder should consider purchasing. He highlighted the arm's ease of use and its potential to inspire innovation in the robotics community. It’s important to note that the base price of $100 is for the unassembled version. Fully assembled units may cost more, ranging from $100 to approximately $500 due to additional assembly fees and U.S. tariffs on Chinese imports. Hugging Face’s broader strategy in the robotics industry is also noteworthy. The company recently acquired Pollen Robotics, a French startup, although the financial details of the acquisition were not disclosed. Remi Cadene, a former engineer from Tesla’s Optimus project, now leads Hugging Face’s robotics division. Under Cadene’s direction, the company plans to sell Pollen’s humanoid robot, Reachy 2, and to encourage developers to contribute to and improve its code. This open-source approach reflects Hugging Face’s commitment to fostering collaboration and innovation within the AI and robotics communities. The release of the SO-101 and the acquisition of Pollen Robotics underscore Hugging Face’s ambitious expansion into robotics. By providing affordable and versatile tools, the company aims to lower the barriers to entry for aspiring robotics developers and to accelerate progress in the field. These initiatives are expected to have a significant impact on both the educational and practical applications of robotics, making advanced technologies more accessible to a wider audience.