Hugging Face Launches Reachy Mini: A Compact, AI-Powered Desktop Robot for Developers
📷 Image source: techcrunch.com
Hugging Face, the AI startup best known for its open-source machine learning tools, has officially opened pre-orders for its Reachy Mini desktop robot. The compact, AI-driven device is designed to assist developers and hobbyists in experimenting with robotics and artificial intelligence in an accessible, user-friendly format.
The Reachy Mini stands out for its modular design, allowing users to customize its functionalities with various attachments, including grippers and sensors. Powered by Hugging Face’s AI models, the robot can perform tasks like object recognition, basic manipulation, and even respond to voice commands. The company emphasizes its potential for education, research, and prototyping, offering an affordable entry point into robotics.
According to Hugging Face, the Reachy Mini is built with open-source principles in mind, encouraging developers to modify and expand its capabilities. The robot integrates seamlessly with popular AI frameworks, making it a versatile tool for testing new algorithms or training models in a physical environment.
Industry experts suggest that the Reachy Mini could fill a gap in the market for small-scale, programmable robots that bridge AI software and real-world applications. Similar projects, like OpenAI’s robotic hand or Boston Dynamics’ educational robots, have targeted research labs, but Hugging Face’s offering is notably more affordable and compact.
Pre-orders are now live, with shipments expected to begin later this year. The move signals Hugging Face’s continued expansion beyond software into tangible AI applications, reinforcing its role as a key player in democratizing AI technology.
