AI development platform Hugging Face has taken a significant leap into the world of robotics with the introduction of two new open-source humanoid robots, HopeJR and Reachy Mini. These robots aim to democratize robotics development by offering affordability, transparency, and accessibility to individuals, startups, and educational institutions worldwide, including India’s fast-growing tech and robotics communities.
Introducing HopeJR and Reachy Mini
HopeJR is a full-sized humanoid robot equipped with 66 degrees of freedom, allowing for complex movements such as walking and arm motion, making it suitable for advanced research, education, and real-world AI applications. On the other hand, Reachy Mini is a compact desktop robot capable of moving its head, listening, speaking, and running AI-based experiments an ideal tool for hobbyists, developers, and students.
While Hugging Face has not confirmed exact shipping dates, CEO and co-founder Clem Delangue revealed that the first batch of units is expected to ship by the end of 2025. Interested users can already join the waitlist to gain early access.
Affordability and Open-Source Innovation
The HopeJR is expected to be priced at around $3,000 (approximately ₹2.5 lakh), and the Reachy Mini will be available for $250 to $300 (roughly ₹21,000–₹25,000), making them some of the most cost-effective humanoid robotics kits on the market. Their open-source nature ensures that developers can assemble, modify, and study the robots, fostering innovation beyond proprietary “black-box” systems controlled by tech giants.
Delangue emphasized the importance of keeping robotics open and accessible, stating, “These robots are designed to be built and understood by anyone to ensure robotics remains a collaborative, transparent field rather than a monopolized one.”
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The launch of these robots follows Hugging Face’s acquisition of French humanoid robotics firm Pollen Robotics in April. This strategic move has expanded Hugging Face’s in-house capabilities, helping accelerate its robotics initiatives.
Strengthening Robotics Ecosystem
This development builds on Hugging Face’s growing involvement in robotics. In 2024, the company launched LeRobot, a comprehensive platform offering open-source AI models, datasets, and tools for robotic systems. More recently, in 2025, Hugging Face introduced an upgraded version of its SO-101 robotic arm, developed in partnership with French company The Robot Studio. The platform also added self-driving machine training datasets in collaboration with AI firm Yaak.
As robotics gains momentum in India, particularly in education, manufacturing, and smart automation accessible and open-source platforms like those from Hugging Face could serve as a powerful catalyst for research, development, and hands-on learning across the country.
