Hugging Face Expands into Robotics with Pollen Robotics Acquisition

Hugging Face has acquired Pollen Robotics, marking a significant step in its expansion into the robotics sector. This acquisition will see the integration of Pollen's humanoid robot, Reachy 2, into Hugging Face's open-source AI ecosystem. With a focus on making robotics more accessible, Hugging Face aims to foster innovation by allowing developers to download and enhance Reachy 2's code. This move underscores the growing intersection of AI and robotics, promising advancements in automation and efficiency.

In a strategic move to broaden its influence in the robotics sector, AI development platform Hugging Face has acquired Pollen Robotics, a French startup known for its innovative humanoid robots. This acquisition, reported by Wired, signifies Hugging Face's commitment to integrating AI with robotics, a field that is rapidly becoming a new frontier for technological advancement. Pollen Robotics, founded in 2016 by Matthieu Lapeyre and Pierre Rouanet, has been dedicated to making humanoid robots accessible for home use. Prior to its acquisition, the company secured €2.5 million in funding from investors like Bpifrance.

The centerpiece of this acquisition is Pollen’s humanoid robot, Reachy 2. Hugging Face plans to make Reachy 2 available for purchase and will allow developers to download its code, fostering an open-source environment where improvements and innovations can be suggested and implemented. This move aligns with Hugging Face's vision of an open-source future for AI and robotics, as expressed by Thomas Wolf, a key figure at Hugging Face.

This acquisition is not Hugging Face's first foray into robotics. The company previously collaborated with Pollen Robotics to develop "Le Robot," an open-source robot designed to perform various household tasks. Additionally, Hugging Face has established a dedicated robotics team led by Remi Cadene, a former engineer from Tesla's Optimus program, further solidifying its commitment to advancing robotics technology.

The integration of AI and robotics is poised to revolutionize industries by enhancing automation and efficiency in both domestic and industrial settings. Hugging Face's acquisition of Pollen Robotics is a testament to the growing importance of robotics in the AI landscape and highlights the potential for open-source platforms to drive innovation in this space.