What's happened
Hugging Face has unveiled SmolVLA, an open AI model for robotics, and two new open-source robots, HopeJR and Reachy Mini. These developments aim to democratize robotics and make advanced technology more accessible. The models and robots are designed for affordability and ease of use, targeting AI developers and hobbyists.
What's behind the headline?
Key Developments
- SmolVLA Model: Hugging Face's SmolVLA is a lightweight AI model designed for robotics, outperforming larger models in various environments. It aims to democratize access to vision-language-action models.
- Affordable Robotics: The introduction of HopeJR and Reachy Mini reflects a commitment to affordability in robotics, with prices set at approximately $3,000 and $250-$300, respectively.
- Open Source Approach: Both robots are open source, allowing users to understand and modify their designs, which counters the trend of proprietary systems dominating the market.
Implications
- Market Disruption: By offering lower-cost alternatives, Hugging Face is positioning itself against established players like Tesla and Unitree, potentially reshaping the robotics landscape.
- Accessibility for Developers: The focus on affordability and open-source technology will likely attract a broader audience, including hobbyists and AI developers, fostering innovation in the field.
- Future Prospects: As Hugging Face continues to expand its robotics ecosystem, we can expect further advancements that could lead to more sophisticated and versatile robotic applications in everyday life.
What the papers say
According to TechCrunch, Hugging Face's SmolVLA model is designed to run on consumer hardware, making it accessible for developers. The company aims to democratize robotics with its new models and robots. Samuel Axon from Ars Technica highlights the affordability of the new robots, stating that HopeJR will be priced around $3,000, significantly lower than competitors like Unitree's G1. This open-source approach is emphasized by Hugging Face CEO Clem Delangue, who noted that it allows users to understand and rebuild the robots, promoting transparency in technology. The acquisition of Pollen Robotics has also been pivotal in enhancing Hugging Face's capabilities in this sector.
How we got here
Hugging Face has been expanding its robotics efforts, launching LeRobot in 2024 and acquiring Pollen Robotics in April 2025. These initiatives have paved the way for the introduction of new models and robots aimed at making robotics more accessible.
Go deeper
- What features do the new robots have?
- How does SmolVLA compare to other AI models?
- What impact will these developments have on the robotics industry?
More on these topics
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Hugging Face, Inc. is an American company incorporated under the Delaware General Corporation Law and based in New York City that develops computation tools for building applications using machine learning.
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The United States of America, commonly known as the United States or America, is a country mostly located in central North America, between Canada and Mexico.