Hugging Face, a company operating a GitHub-like platform for open-source AI projects, has announced the open-sourcing of two new robot designs: HopeJR, a humanoid robot capable of various movements, and Reachy Mini, a compact, desk-top robot with a retractable neck. These designs, along with a previously released robotic arm, are part of Hugging Face's expansion into robotics, leveraging its existing AI platform and datasets. The company plans to sell pre-assembled versions of both robots.
Hugging Face has secured over $390 million in funding from investors including Nvidia Corp. and IBM Corp. This substantial investment fuels the company's growth and expansion into the robotics sector, allowing them to develop and release innovative open-source robotic designs. The funding also supports the continued development and expansion of their core AI platform.
The open-source nature of these robots allows for customization and wider adoption within the robotics community. Hugging Face envisions these robots being used for various applications, including industrial automation and AI model testing. The company expects to ship the first units by the end of the year.
The release of these open-source robots marks a significant step for Hugging Face, demonstrating their commitment to fostering innovation and collaboration within the AI and robotics fields. The company's substantial funding and strategic expansion into robotics positions them as a key player in the rapidly evolving landscape of AI-powered automation.