Hugging Face Opens Robotics to All with Open-Source Reachy 2 Humanoid Robot

Hugging Face Acquires Pollen Robotics to Open-Source Reachy 2 Robot

Hugging Face has acquired Pollen Robotics, the French startup behind the humanoid robot Reachy 2. This move aims to make robotics more accessible by open-sourcing Reachy 2’s design and software, allowing developers to modify and improve the robot freely.

What is Reachy 2?

Reachy 2 is an approachable, open-source humanoid robot built for intuitive human-robot interaction. It features expressive movement enabled by its Orbita joint system and 7 degrees of freedom (7-DoF) arms. The robot can handle objects weighing up to 3 kg and uses omniwheels combined with LiDAR sensors for smooth movement and spatial awareness.

Users can control Reachy 2 remotely via VR teleoperation, experiencing a first-person view for precise manipulation. Its compatibility with modern AI frameworks makes it an excellent platform for research and development. Institutions like Cornell and Carnegie Mellon have already integrated Reachy 2 into their robotics programs.

The Value of Open-Source Hardware in Robotics

Open-sourcing hardware means sharing the robot’s designs, component details, and 3D models openly. This transparency enables developers and researchers to manufacture parts or customize the robot’s hardware and software without restrictions.

The acquisition fits within a broader industry trend where companies like Meta and OpenAI have embraced open-source AI models. As AI capabilities advance, there's growing enthusiasm for making robotics more accessible, encouraging collaboration and innovation across the field.

Why Open-Source Robotics Matters to Product Developers

• Faster innovation: Open access to hardware and software accelerates development cycles and idea testing.
• Transparency: Open-source projects reduce marketing hype by providing clear insights into what the technology can and cannot do.
• Customization: Developers can tailor robots like Reachy 2 to specific use cases or research goals.
• Community support: Shared knowledge and resources foster a collaborative environment for problem-solving.

Clem Delangue, CEO of Hugging Face, highlights the importance of transparency in physical robotics: “You can’t cheat; you can’t hide.” This accountability helps build trust in robot performance and capabilities.

Community Response and Industry Impact

AI and robotics enthusiasts have welcomed the acquisition. For example, AI enthusiast Boardy Boardman said, “Open-source robotics is the future! Love seeing Hugging Face expand beyond just ML models. The robotics space needs this kind of democratization.” Software architect Vishal Gargco added, “This is a big move for open-source robotics. Bringing robots like Reachy 2 to labs and researchers will definitely open up more possibilities in AI and robotics.”

Hugging Face’s expanding role in open-source hardware signals new opportunities for developers and researchers interested in robotics. Usage of Hugging Face’s open-source robotics code has already increased, reflecting strong interest in accessible, collaborative robot development.

For product development professionals, this acquisition highlights the growing importance of integrating open-source hardware and AI to build flexible, adaptable robotics solutions. Those looking to deepen their skills in AI and robotics can explore relevant training and courses at Complete AI Training.