So, you thought cutting-edge humanoid robots were only for deep-pocketed labs and big tech giants? Hugging Face just turned that assumption on its head. Fresh off its success as the go-to AI model hub—sometimes dubbed the “GitHub of AI”—the French platform is diving headfirst into robotics. And the best part? They’re making two new, entirely open-source robots available at price points that feel downright revolutionary.
This move isn’t about slick consumer gadgets you’ll find on store shelves next month. It’s about empowering developers, researchers, and tinkerers with accessible hardware so the community can push boundaries together. Let’s dig into the details of these bots and why they matter.
HopeJr: Affordable Open-Source Humanoid
First up is HopeJr, a full-fledged humanoid robot designed to walk, grasp objects, and flex its joints in impressively human-like ways. What’s jaw-dropping is that all of this comes in at a build cost of under $3,000. Yes, you read that right—an open-source humanoid for less than the price of a midrange used car.
HopeJr boasts 66 degrees of freedom, meaning it can perform 66 distinct movements thanks to a combination of servos, joints, and structural components. That mobility lets it tackle complex tasks like opening drawers, picking up varied objects, or even following dynamic terrains. The robot’s aesthetic might be rough around the edges—think functional prototype more than art exhibit—but design wasn’t the top priority. Instead, the focus was on keeping costs and complexity low so builders can iterate faster.
Meet the Little Brother: Reachy Mini at $300
Not everyone needs a full humanoid, and Hugging Face knows it. Enter Reachy Mini, a pint-sized robot arm priced at under $300. Developed by Pollen Robotics, a Bordeaux-based startup recently acquired by Hugging Face, Reachy Mini is anything but humanoid. It’s a platform for experimenting with human–computer interactions, perfect for classrooms, hackathons, or anyone curious about robot manipulation.
Despite its smaller scale, Reachy Mini packs enough punch to handle simple pick-and-place tasks, gesture recognition demos, and even interactive art installations. Like HopeJr, it’s entirely open-source. All mechanical drawings, electronics schematics, and software libraries will be freely available on GitHub. Developers will know exactly which components they need and where to source them, eliminating mysterious supply chain roadblocks.
Why Open Source Is a Game-Changer
When you open every detail—CAD models, firmware, control algorithms—you create a collaborative playground. Hundreds, even thousands, of engineers around the world can contribute improvements, patch bugs, and share novel applications. It’s the same ethos that propelled Hugging Face to the forefront of AI model sharing.
This approach also democratizes research. Universities with limited budgets and indie developers can run advanced robotics experiments without begging for multi-million-dollar grants. That sparks creativity and drives innovation in ways closed, proprietary projects simply can’t match. Plus, with access to the raw engineering data, teams can optimize parts, swap components, or upgrade firmware to suit unique needs.
What’s Next for These Bots?
Hugging Face plans to ship both robots by the end of the year at the earliest, though 2026 seems more likely for widespread availability. In the meantime, the GitHub repos are live, so early adopters can start printing parts and debugging code. Expect a flurry of community-driven tutorials, plugin libraries, and creative demos popping up on social channels.
Long term, these platforms could seed a new wave of robotics startups and research labs. Imagine slapping on custom sensor payloads, integrating advanced vision models from Hugging Face Spaces, or tweaking locomotion algorithms for novel terrains. With hardware hurdles lowered, we’re about to see a tidal wave of fresh ideas in robot autonomy, human–robot collaboration, and more.
Conclusión
Hugging Face’s jump into affordable, open-source robotics feels like a historic moment. By pricing a full humanoid under $3,000 and an entry-level arm under $300, they’re handing the keys to a massive community workshop. Whether you’re a seasoned robotics engineer or a curious hobbyist, now is the perfect time to roll up your sleeves and join the fun. The future of robotics just got a lot more accessible—and that’s exciting for all of us.
