Hugging Face, a prominent artificial intelligence development platform, has officially opened its order books for the innovative Reachy Mini desktop robots. These compact and versatile devices are specifically engineered to provide a robust platform for developers to experiment with and build AI-driven applications. The unveiling of the Reachy Mini models in May, alongside the larger HopeJR humanoid robot, marked a significant step in the company's commitment to fostering accessible robotics.
The Reachy Mini series offers two distinct models: the Reachy Mini Wireless, priced at $449, which operates on a Raspberry 5 mini-computer, and the more economical Reachy Mini Lite, costing $299, requiring an external computing connection. Both versions are supplied as open-source kits, inviting developers to assemble them. Characterized by their compact, plush-toy-like size, the robots are equipped with dual screens for eyes and a pair of antennas. Upon assembly, these robots are fully programmable using Python and include pre-loaded demonstration programs. Crucially, they seamlessly integrate with the Hugging Face Hub, the company's open-source machine learning platform, granting users immediate access to an extensive collection of over 1.7 million AI models and more than 400,000 datasets.
Clém Delangue, CEO of Hugging Face, emphasized that the decision to offer two versions of the Reachy Mini was directly influenced by early user feedback, highlighting a desire for both portability and affordability. The primary aim of these desktop robots is to cater to the needs of AI developers, enabling them to code, construct, and rigorously test AI applications within a tangible robotic environment. Delangue articulated a vision for these devices to unleash the creative potential of builders, envisioning a future where countless applications and features are developed and shared across the community, facilitating a 'plug and play' experience for all. The swift shipping of ordered units reflects the company's dedication to getting these tools into the hands of users without delay. This initiative aligns perfectly with Hugging Face's broader philosophy for its robotics division: to champion open-source hardware that grants users complete command and transparency. This approach contrasts sharply with closed-source, proprietary systems, reflecting a belief that decentralized control over robotic technology is paramount for a more equitable and understandable future.
