Hugging Face, renowned for its contributions to open-source AI through its vast ecosystem of machine learning models, datasets, and tools, has taken a bold step into the physical world with the launch of Reachy Mini.
This expressive, compact, and fully open-source robot is designed to democratize robotics and AI experimentation, making it accessible to developers, educators, hobbyists, and even kids coding at home.
Priced starting at just $299, *Reachy Mini* combines affordability with powerful AI integration, offering a unique platform for human-robot interaction, creative coding, and real-world AI application development.
### What Makes Reachy Mini Special?
*Reachy Mini* stands out as a groundbreaking tool in the robotics space due to its open-source nature, affordability, and seamless integration with Hugging Face’s AI ecosystem.
Unlike traditional robotics platforms, which are often expensive and proprietary, *Reachy Mini* embraces the ethos of open science, allowing users to fully customize and extend its capabilities. Whether you're an AI developer prototyping cutting-edge applications or a parent introducing your child to coding, this robot offers endless possibilities.
Key features that make *Reachy Mini* exceptional include:
- - **Open-Source Software**: The robot is fully programmable in Python, with support for JavaScript and Scratch coming soon. This flexibility makes it accessible to coders of all skill levels, from beginners using Scratch to seasoned developers leveraging Python’s robust libraries.
- - **Affordable Pricing**: At $299 for the Lite version and $449 for the Wireless version, *Reachy Mini* breaks down financial barriers, making advanced robotics accessible to a broader audience.
- - **AI Integration**: Built to work with Hugging Face’s open-source ecosystem, *Reachy Mini* supports large language models (LLMs), audio processing, and vision-based agents. Developers can tap into over 1.7 million AI models and 400,000 datasets available on the Hugging Face Hub to create innovative applications.
- - **Community-Driven Development**: Users can develop, test, deploy, and share AI-driven behaviors via the Hugging Face Hub. With over 15 pre-installed behaviors available at launch, the community can collaboratively expand the robot’s capabilities, fostering a vibrant ecosystem of shared innovation.
### Technical Specifications
*Reachy Mini* is a compact yet feature-rich robot designed for desktop use. Measuring just 11 inches (28 cm) in height (9 inches/23 cm in sleep mode), 6.3 inches (16 cm) in width, and weighing only 3.3 lbs (1.5 kg), it’s small enough to sit on your desk or kitchen counter. Despite its size, it’s packed with advanced features that make it a powerful tool for AI and robotics experimentation.
#### Variants
*Reachy Mini* comes in two versions, catering to different needs and budgets:
- - **Reachy Mini Lite ($299)**: A tethered version with basic functionality, ideal for those who want an affordable entry point into robotics. It requires a direct connection to a computing source and comes with two microphones.
- - **Reachy Mini Wireless ($449)**: A fully autonomous version powered by a Raspberry Pi 5, featuring wireless connectivity, a built-in battery, four microphones, and a wide-angle front-facing camera. This version is perfect for developers seeking a standalone platform for advanced experimentation.
#### Sensors and Interfaces
- - **Microphones**: The Lite version includes two microphones, while the Wireless version boasts four, enabling robust audio processing and voice interaction.
- - **Camera**: The Wireless version includes a wide-angle front-facing camera, ideal for vision-based AI applications such as object recognition or gesture detection.
- - **Accelerometer**: Built into the Wireless version, the accelerometer enhances the robot’s ability to sense its environment and respond to movement.
- - **Expressive Movement**: *Reachy Mini* features a motorized head with six degrees of freedom, animated antennas, and full-body rotation, allowing for rich and engaging human-robot interactions.
#### Build and Design
Both versions of *Reachy Mini* are delivered as DIY kits, encouraging hands-on assembly that fosters a deeper understanding of robotics. The robot’s design is both functional and charming, with two screen-based eyes and animated antennas that give it a playful, approachable personality. Its compact size and lightweight construction make it easy to integrate into various environments, from classrooms to home offices.
### A Platform for AI Innovation
*Reachy Mini* is more than just a robot — it’s a gateway to exploring the intersection of AI and robotics. By leveraging Hugging Face’s open-source ecosystem, developers can experiment with state-of-the-art LLMs, vision models, and audio processing tools to create real-world applications. For example, you could program *Reachy Mini* to respond to voice commands, recognize objects in its environment, or even automate smart home devices using visual cues.
The robot’s simulation SDK allows developers to prototype and test behaviors in a virtual environment before receiving the physical hardware, streamlining the development process. Once created, these behaviors can be shared with the global Hugging Face community, enabling collaborative innovation and rapid iteration. This community-driven approach aligns with Hugging Face’s mission to advance and democratize AI through open-source collaboration.
### Why Reachy Mini Matters
The robotics industry has long been plagued by high costs and proprietary systems, limiting access to advanced tools for many developers and educators. *Reachy Mini* addresses this challenge head-on by offering a low-cost, open-source alternative that empowers users to experiment freely. As Clém Delangue, CEO of Hugging Face, noted, the robot’s open-source design allows users to “extend it, modify it, change everything they want,” fostering creativity and innovation.
The launch of *Reachy Mini* also reflects Hugging Face’s strategic expansion into robotics, bolstered by their acquisition of Pollen Robotics in April 2025. This move has equipped Hugging Face with the expertise needed to create accessible, AI-ready robots that complement their software ecosystem.
### Availability and Future Outlook
*Reachy Mini* is available for pre-order starting July 9, 2025, exclusively online via Hugging Face’s website. Shipments for the Lite version are expected to begin in August 2025, with the Wireless version following later in the year. By prioritizing rapid delivery over prolonged pre-order campaigns, Hugging Face aims to get *Reachy Mini* into users’ hands as quickly as possible, enabling immediate experimentation.
Looking ahead, *Reachy Mini* has the potential to reshape the robotics landscape by making AI-driven robotics accessible to a global audience. Its combination of affordability, open-source flexibility, and integration with cutting-edge AI models positions it as a game-changer for developers, researchers, and enthusiasts alike.
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### Conclusion
*Reachy Mini* is not just a robot — it’s a bold step toward democratizing AI and robotics. By offering an affordable, open-source platform that integrates seamlessly with Hugging Face’s AI ecosystem, this compact robot empowers users to explore the future of human-robot interaction and AI application development.
Whether you’re coding a new behavior, teaching a class, or simply tinkering at home, *Reachy Mini* invites you to join a global community of AI builders pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.
For more details or to pre-order your *Reachy Mini*, visit Hugging Face’s blog
