New Development: Hugging Face Introduces Duo of Open-Source Robot Models
Hugging Face, the AI development platform known for its open ethos, has ventured into the world of robotics with the launch of two new humanoid robots: HopeJR and Reachy Mini. These innovative creations are set to revolutionise the field by making robotics more accessible to a wider range of users.
HopeJR: A Life-Sized Pioneer
HopeJR is a full-size humanoid robot, boasting an impressive 66 independent movements that enable it to walk, manipulate objects, and even move its arms [1]. This life-sized marvel is expected to cost a few thousand dollars, making it an affordable option for developers, educators, and hobbyists [1].
Reachy Mini: A Desktop Companion
The Reachy Mini, a smaller desktop unit, comes in two versions: Reachy Mini Wireless and Reachy Mini Lite. The Wireless version, priced at $449, features wireless capabilities, a battery, and an accelerometer for advanced functions [1][2]. On the other hand, the Lite version, priced at $299, requires a wired connection and lacks the accelerometer [1][2]. Both versions come as kits that users can assemble and are fully programmable in Python, with future support planned for JavaScript and Scratch [1][2].
Open-Source Revolution
The open-source nature of both robots opens up a broad spectrum of use cases, including testing machine learning models and exploring new forms of human-robot interaction [1]. By making these robots open-source, Hugging Face is fostering transparency and global collaboration, turning HopeJR and Reachy Mini into educational platforms [1].
A Shift Towards Inclusive Innovation
These robots represent a significant shift towards inclusive innovation in the robotics industry. They are designed to lower the barrier of entry into the field of robotics applications, encouraging a new generation of researchers and developers [1].
Availability and Development
Both HopeJR and Reachy Mini are expected to be available towards the end of this year. The Reachy Mini was unveiled in May 2025 alongside HopeJR, and orders for Reachy Mini opened in July 2025 [1][2][3]. Although the exact release date for HopeJR is not specified, it was introduced at the same event in May 2025 [1][2][3].
The development of HopeJR and Reachy Mini has been accelerated by the acquisition of Pollen Robotics by Hugging Face. The team behind LeRobot and the SO-101 robotic arm is responsible for their design and construction [1].
In conclusion, Hugging Face's open-source humanoid robots, HopeJR and Reachy Mini, are set to encourage a new era of robotics research that values openness and experimentation over exclusivity. These robots are more than just machines; they are educational platforms, catalysts for research, and the future of accessible robotics.
[1] Hugging Face. (2025). Reachy Mini. Retrieved from https://www.huggingface.co/products/reachy-mini
[2] Hugging Face. (2025). HopeJR. Retrieved from https://www.huggingface.co/products/hopejr
[3] The Verge. (2025). Hugging Face unveils two humanoid robots, HopeJR and Reachy Mini. Retrieved from https://www.theverge.com/2025/5/1/22433872/hugging-face-hopejr-reachy-mini-humanoid-robots-ai-development
Artificial intelligence is integrated into HopeJR and Reachy Mini, allowing them to be programmable in Python, with future support planned for JavaScript and Scratch. These robots, powered by artificial intelligence, are intended to be educational platforms, fostering transparency, global collaboration, and experimentation in the field of robotics.
