**Hugging Face Introduces Affordable, Open-Source Humanoid Robots**

Hugging Face has broadened its horizons into the realm of robotics with the unveiling of two new humanoid robots this Thursday. The company announced the launch of HopeJR and Reachy Mini, both designed as open-source units to democratize access to advanced robotics technology.

HopeJR is a full-size humanoid robot boasting 66 actuated degrees of freedom. This means it can make 66 different movements, including walking and manipulating objects with its arms. On the other hand, Reachy Mini serves as a desktop unit capable of moving its head, talking, and listening, making it ideal for testing AI applications. Remarkably, HopeJR will be priced under $3,000, providing an accessible entry point for enthusiasts and developers.

According to Clem Delangue, Hugging Face's co-founder and CEO, the company aims to start shipping the initial units by the end of the year, and the waitlist is currently open. He emphasized the importance of making these robots open-source, allowing users to assemble, rebuild, and understand their mechanisms. This approach aims to prevent a monopolistic hold on robotics by a few large entities with opaque systems.

The development of these robots was accelerated by Hugging Face's acquisition of Pollen Robotics, announced in April. Delangue mentioned that the Pollen Robotics team endowed Hugging Face with crucial capabilities that facilitated the creation of HopeJR and Reachy Mini.

Hugging Face's foray into robotics began with the launch of LeRobot in 2024, which is a collection of open AI models, datasets, and tools designed for building robotics systems. This year, the company also released an updated version of its 3D-printed and programmable robotic arm, the SO-101, developed in collaboration with The Robot Studio. Moreover, Hugging Face expanded its LeRobot platform's training data to include self-driving machine data through a partnership with AI startup Yaak.

With these initiatives, Hugging Face continues to lead the charge in making advanced robotics technology more accessible and transparent for all.