Tech expert Kurt Knutsson announces a significant advancement in robotics from Hugging Face, a company well-regarded for its contributions to AI development. They have launched two affordable open-source humanoid robots—HopeJR and Reachy Mini—catering to a wide audience that includes researchers, developers, students, and hobbyists.
HopeJR is a full-size humanoid robot offering an impressive 66 actuated degrees of freedom. This capability allows it to walk, move its arms, and perform various independent gestures, making it a versatile tool for research and household tasks.
With an estimated price of around $3,000, HopeJR is remarkably affordable compared to most full-scale humanoid robots, thus making advanced robotics more accessible to smaller labs, educational institutions, and enthusiasts. On the other hand, Reachy Mini presents a compact solution, standing at about 11 inches tall.
This desktop robot is equipped with a camera, microphone, and speaker, along with a six-degree-of-freedom neck that enables expressive movements. Set to cost between $250 and $300, it serves as a gateway for anyone looking to experiment with embodied AI, allowing users to customize and build from it.
Moreover, Reachy Mini integrates with Hugging Face Spaces, providing access to over 500,000 AI applications. Both robots are fully open-source, emphasizing Hugging Face’s commitment to making robotics accessible to all.
The open-source model encourages collaboration and innovation, as users can freely assemble and improve the technology. Hugging Face plans to ship the first units of these robots by the end of the year, and there is already a waiting list for interested buyers.
This development marks a significant leap in making robotics a practical part of everyday life, enabling people to explore the possibilities of AI hands-on.
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