A New Era of Physical AI Interaction
Hugging Face, the open-source AI platform, has officially opened orders for its Reachy Mini desktop robots, an initiative designed to bridge the gap between artificial intelligence and physical interaction. First introduced as prototypes in May alongside the larger humanoid HopeJR, these compact robots are now ready for hands-on experimentation by developers worldwide. With Reachy Mini, Hugging Face is pushing the boundaries of how AI can operate in physical spaces, turning abstract algorithms into interactive, tangible experiences.
Two Versions for Diverse Developer Needs
The Reachy Mini comes in two variations to accommodate different technical setups. The Reachy Mini Wireless, priced at $449, runs on a Raspberry Pi 5 and offers complete freedom of movement, making it ideal for dynamic environments. For those with existing computing setups, the Reachy Mini Lite is a more affordable, wired version priced at $299. Both versions ship as kits, encouraging users to engage with the robot’s hardware from the ground up, fostering deeper understanding, customization, and innovation.
Programmable, Portable, and Python-Friendly
What sets Reachy Mini apart is its full Python programmability. Roughly the size of a stuffed animal and equipped with expressive eyes and antennas, it’s approachable yet powerful. With pre-installed demos and tight integration with Hugging Face’s Hub, developers instantly gain access to over 1.7 million AI models and 400,000 datasets. This makes the robot not just hardware, but a gateway to building intelligent, personalized, and real-world AI applications.
Community Feedback Shaping Design
The idea to launch two versions was inspired by real-world feedback. CEO Clém Delangue recalled how a tester’s five-year-old daughter wanted to carry the robot around the house, prompting the need for a portable version. “That’s how we’ve always been building products,” Delangue said, stressing Hugging Face’s commitment to community-driven development. The open-source design ensures developers can “extend it, modify it, change everything they want,” just like in collaborative blockchain projects.
A Sandbox for AI Developers
Delangue emphasizes that Reachy Mini isn’t just a toy, it’s a sandbox for AI developers. Whether coding new features or testing physical interactions, the device allows for experimentation in real-world contexts. Developers can share applications with the community, fostering an evolving ecosystem of plug-and-play features. “We hope it’s really going to unleash the creativity of builders,” Delangue said, envisioning millions of unique applications sprouting from a shared foundation.
A Vision Rooted in Openness
Shipping for the Reachy Mini Lite begins next month, with the wireless model following shortly after. Hugging Face has chosen to bypass long pre-orders, aiming for swift access and rapid feedback. More importantly, Delangue’s vision is rooted in decentralization and user control. “I would much rather live in a world where everyone can have some control over the robots,” he said, expressing concern over centralized, opaque robotics systems. Hugging Face’s open-source approach aligns with broader movements in tech that prioritize transparency, autonomy, and shared innovation.Conclusion: A Robot for the People
With Reachy Mini, Hugging Face isn’t just launching a product, it’s opening the doors to democratic robotics. By blending hardware, open-source software, and a vibrant community, the company is setting the stage for a future where anyone, not just tech giants, can build, shape, and understand the intelligent machines around them.
