Experts highlight the potential impact of humanoid robots in the workforce, with estimates suggesting a $50 trillion opportunity in 'physical AI'.

This acquisition, announced on April 14, 2025, seeks to broaden the accessibility of open-source robotics, particularly beyond the USA and China.

Notably, Reachy 2 is fully open-source, allowing users to download and modify its code and dataset for their projects.

Hugging Face has formed a dedicated robotics team, led by Remi Cadene, a former Tesla engineer, to bolster their efforts in the robotics sector.

The robot is programmable in Python and can be operated using VR equipment, although it currently has limited capabilities compared to commercial models from competitors.

Hugging Face has acquired the French startup Pollen Robotics, known for its humanoid robot, Reachy 2, in a move aimed at expanding open-source robotics.

Reachy 2, priced at $70,000, features advanced robotic arms but does not walk, serving primarily as a proof of concept for various applications.

CEO Clément Delangue emphasizes that the open-source model will promote transparency and accountability in robotic development.

Hugging Face aims to democratize robotics by making hardware designs and components open-source, with plans to make Reachy 2's designs available for 3D printing.

Reachy 2 has already been adopted by prestigious institutions, including Cornell University and Carnegie Mellon University, for research in robotic manipulation.

The robot's design features an asymmetrical appearance and is dressed in a French-made marinière, showcasing a blend of creativity and technology.

This acquisition aligns with the growing trend of integrating AI with robotics, enhancing machine learning capabilities in physical forms.