Hugging Face, the open-source AI platform known for its popular machine-learning models and developer tools, has acquired French robotics startup Pollen Robotics. This strategic move signifies Hugging Face's entry into the hardware domain, aiming to democratize access to humanoid robotics.
Pollen Robotics is the creator of Reachy 2, a humanoid robot designed with open-source principles. Reachy 2 is capable of performing tasks such as organizing mugs and picking up fruit. Its design allows developers and researchers to download, modify, and enhance both its software and hardware components. The robot has already been adopted by leading research institutions, including Cornell University and Carnegie Mellon University.
The acquisition aligns with Hugging Face's commitment to open-source AI development. By integrating Reachy 2 into its ecosystem, Hugging Face aims to foster transparency, collaboration, and innovation in the robotics field. CEO Clément Delangue emphasized the importance of openness in robotics, stating that it builds trust and accelerates technological advancement.
With the acquisition, Hugging Face plans to sell Reachy 2 at a price point of $70,000, making it more accessible to a broader range of users, from hobbyists to enterprises. This move is expected to catalyze the development of personal AI robots, with projections indicating that at least 100,000 units could be pre-ordered in 2025.
This marks Hugging Face's fifth acquisition, following its purchase of XetHub in 2024, a Seattle-based startup specializing in scaling large datasets for AI and machine learning models. These strategic acquisitions underscore Hugging Face's dedication to enhancing its platform's capabilities and expanding its influence in the AI and robotics sectors.
Hugging Face's acquisition of Pollen Robotics represents a significant step towards making humanoid robotics more accessible and customizable. By embracing open-source principles, the company is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of AI-powered robotics.
