Hugging Face announced the release of the SO-101, a programmable, 3D-printable robotic arm. Priced from $100, it offers improved assembly and motor performance over its predecessor, the SO-100.
Developed with international partners, the SO-101 targets robotics enthusiasts, educators, and developers seeking affordable AI-integrated hardware. The project is led by Hugging Face’s robotics division, LeRobot, headquartered in Brooklyn, New York.
Improved Design and AI Features
The SO-101 builds on the popular SO-100, launched in October 2024. It features faster assembly and enhanced motors that reduce friction and support the arm’s own weight effectively. This robotic arm is equipped with a camera, allowing training through reinforcement learning, an AI method enabling the arm to perform tasks like picking up Lego blocks.
Collaboration and Leadership
Hugging Face collaborated with French robotics company The Robot Studio, as well as Wowrobo, Seeedstudio, and Partabot. Their combined expertise improved the SO-101’s capabilities. The robotics division LeRobot is led by Remi Cadene, a former engineer for Tesla’s Optimus project.
Significance and Accessibility
The SO-101 represents Hugging Face’s goal to democratize robotics by lowering entry barriers. This affordable robotic arm promotes innovation through open-source software and hardware, fueling broader community participation.
- Base price starts at $100
- Price varies up to approximately $500 due to assembly and tariffs
- First model, SO-100, released in October 2024
Hugging Face is also expanding its robotics portfolio, recently acquiring Pollen Robotics, a French startup. This move aims to further open AI-driven robotic development to the public.
More details on operating the SO-101 can be found in their official SO-101 documentation. The announcement generated excitement on social media platforms, highlighting its potential as a staple for AI builders.
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