Reachy Mini: An Open Source Robot for Developers Starting at $299

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Hugging Face Unveils Reachy Mini: An Open-Source Robotics Platform for All

Hugging Face, known for its work in AI and machine learning, is democratizing robotics with the launch of Reachy Mini, a compact and affordable desktop robot designed to make experimentation accessible to anyone. The robot aims to lower the barrier to entry for robotics enthusiasts,students,and developers alike.

Reachy Mini boasts a friendly aesthetic and manageable footprint, standing 28cm tall and 16cm wide, with a weight of just 1.5kg. Its head features six degrees of freedom, enabling fluid movements like greetings, head turns, and even motion tracking. Both versions of the robot include a wide-angle camera and 5W stereo speakers for engaging interaction.

Two models are available: the Reachy Mini Lite ($299),which connects directly to a Linux or macOS computer for code execution,and the Reachy Mini Full ($449). The Full model integrates a Raspberry Pi 5, providing standalone operation with built-in Wi-Fi, storage, an accelerometer, and a four-microphone array.

While still in its early stages, Reachy Mini ships with over 15 pre-programmed behaviors, including movement synced to music, hand tracking, and basic emotional expressions. Though, its true potential lies in its open-source nature. Hugging Face is actively encouraging a community-driven approach, inviting users to develop and share new behaviors.

Compared to other educational robots like Cozmo and Vector, Reachy Mini distinguishes itself through its complete openness and competitive pricing. The Raspberry Pi-based Full model further enhances its versatility for experienced programmers.

Pre-orders for both the lite and Full versions of Reachy Mini are now open on the official Hugging Face website. The Lite model is expected to ship at the end of summer, with the Full model following in the autumn.

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What are the key advantages of Reachy Mini over typical entry-level robotics kits?

What is Reachy Mini?

Reachy Mini is a compact, affordable, and fully open-source robotic arm designed specifically for developers, researchers, and robotics enthusiasts. Starting at $299, it provides a powerful platform for learning, prototyping, and experimenting with robotics, computer vision, and artificial intelligence. Unlike many entry-level robots, Reachy Mini isn’t a kit requiring extensive assembly; it arrives largely pre-assembled, minimizing setup time and maximizing time for growth. This makes it ideal for both beginners taking their first steps in robotics and experienced engineers looking for a flexible and cost-effective robotic arm.

Key Features & Specifications

Reachy Mini boasts a compelling set of features that set it apart in the affordable robotics market:

6 Degrees of Freedom (DOF): Offers a wide range of motion, mimicking the dexterity of a human arm. This allows for complex manipulation tasks.

Compact Design: Its small footprint makes it suitable for desktop use and integration into various environments. dimensions are approximately 30cm x 20cm x 25cm.

Open Source Hardware & Software: complete access to the hardware schematics and software stack (ROS, python) fosters customization and community-driven development.

Torque Control: Precise control over joint torques enables delicate manipulation and force sensing applications.

Integrated Gripper: A versatile gripper allows for picking and placing objects of varying shapes and sizes.

Connectivity: USB and Ethernet connectivity for easy integration with computers and networks.

Materials: Constructed from durable materials like aluminum and 3D-printed components.

Payload: Capable of lifting payloads up to 500g.

Software ecosystem & Programming

Reachy Mini’s open-source nature is a major draw for developers. The robot is primarily designed to work with:

ROS (Robot Operating System): A widely used framework for robotics software development,providing tools and libraries for perception,planning,and control.

Python: The primary programming language for Reachy Mini, offering a gentle learning curve and extensive libraries for robotics applications.

Pollen Robotics SDK: A dedicated SDK simplifies interaction with the robot’s hardware and provides pre-built functionalities.

web-Based Control: As highlighted by the Pollen Robotics community (https://forum.pollen-robotics.com/t/control-a-3d-reachy-visualisation/70), a 3D visualization tool allows for remote control and testing, even without physical access to the robot. This is particularly useful for remote development and education.

Applications & Use Cases

The versatility of Reachy mini opens doors to a wide range of applications:

Robotics Education: An excellent platform for students to learn about robotics, programming, and control systems.

Prototyping: Rapidly prototype and test robotic solutions for various industries.

Computer Vision Research: Integrate with cameras and sensors to develop and test computer vision algorithms.

AI & Machine Learning: Use Reachy Mini as a physical embodiment for reinforcement learning and other AI applications.

Pick and Place Tasks: Automate simple pick-and-place operations in a laboratory or small-scale manufacturing setting.

Human-Robot Interaction (HRI): Explore and develop interactive robotic systems.

Remote Manipulation: Control the robot remotely for tasks in hazardous or inaccessible environments.

Benefits of choosing Reachy Mini

Compared to other robotic arms in its price range, Reachy Mini offers several key advantages:

Cost-Effectiveness: Considerably more affordable than industrial-grade robotic arms.

Open Source Freedom: Unrestricted access to hardware and software allows for complete customization and control.

Strong Community Support: The Pollen Robotics community provides valuable resources, tutorials, and assistance.

Ease of Use: Pre-assembly and a user-amiable SDK reduce the learning curve.

Scalability: The open-source nature allows for easy expansion and integration with other robotic components.

Educational Value: Provides a hands-on learning experience for robotics enthusiasts of all levels.

Practical Tips for Getting Started

Start with the Tutorials: Pollen Robotics provides thorough tutorials and documentation to guide you through the setup and programming process.

Join the Community: Engage with the Pollen Robotics forum to ask questions, share your projects, and learn from other users.

Familiarize Yourself with ROS: A basic understanding of ROS is highly recommended for advanced development.

Experiment with Different Grippers: Explore alternative gripper designs to suit your specific application needs.

consider Adding Sensors: Integrate cameras, force sensors, and other sensors to enhance the robot