Are you ready to dive into the exciting world of robotics? The Reachy Mini is here, and it’s designed for developers, educators, students, and anyone with a passion for creative coding. This innovative desktop robot offers a unique blend of functionality and fun, making it an ideal companion for both learning and exploration.
Produced by Hugging Face, an esteemed AI platform, the Reachy Mini comes in two versions: the Reachy Mini Lite, priced at $299 (approximately €273), and the Reachy Mini Wireless, available for $449 (around €409). This development resulted from the collaboration between Hugging Face and Pollen Robotics, leveraging both open-source expertise and community engagement.
Since its launch, the Reachy Mini has exceeded expectations, boasting $500,000 in sales within just 24 hours—an impressive start for any new tech product.
Compact and Cute Design
This charming robot stands at about 11 inches (28 cm) tall and is 6.3 inches (16 cm) wide, weighing roughly 3.3 pounds (1.5 kg). It’s the perfect size for any desktop or table, making it a visually appealing addition to your workspace.
Versatile Options for Every User
For those seeking affordability, the Reachy Mini Lite connects seamlessly to Mac and Linux systems, with Windows support on the way. Shipping for this version is expected by the end of summer.
If you’re interested in advanced features, the Reachy Mini Wireless version includes a Raspberry Pi 5, built-in Wi-Fi, and battery capabilities. This model will be shipped in batches starting in late 2025 through 2026.
Getting Started with Pre-Installed Features
Once assembled, you’ll find fun right at your fingertips. The Reachy Mini showcases 15 pre-installed demonstrations, including:
- Facial recognition
- Hand tracking
- Antenna movements
- Voice-activated AI conversations
- Object manipulation with its arm and gripper
This makes it easy for beginners and hobbyists to jump in without needing extensive coding knowledge, particularly beneficial for educational purposes.
Integrating with Hugging Face Hub
One of the standout features is its integration with the Hugging Face Hub, providing instantaneous access to a plethora of AI models and datasets. This not only enhances the robot’s utility but also keeps it engaging and relevant.
Community-Driven Potential
Past companion robots like Jibo and Anki’s Cozmo and Vector struggled due to high costs and limited capabilities. However, the Reachy Mini’s open-source framework fosters collaboration within its active developer and AI community, enhancing its functionality and ensuring its longevity.
Inspiring the Next Generation
The Reachy Mini’s blend of cuteness and advanced technology can inspire kids to explore robotics and AI. By making tech feel approachable, it encourages creativity and curiosity.
Are you curious about how the Reachy Mini can fuel your coding creativity? It’s available now for preorder.
What features does the Reachy Mini offer? The Reachy Mini includes impressive features like facial recognition, voice-activated conversations, and object manipulation, making it easy for users to engage with robotics.
Is there a community supporting the Reachy Mini? Yes, the Reachy Mini is backed by an active developer community that contributes new features and tools, enhancing the user experience.
How does Reachy Mini support education? With its user-friendly setup and pre-installed demos, the Reachy Mini provides an accessible way for students and newcomers to learn about robotics without advanced coding skills.
What is the estimated shipping timeline for the Lite and Wireless versions? The Reachy Mini Lite is expected to ship by the end of summer, while the Wireless model will ship in batches from late 2025 to 2026.
Ready to embrace the future of robotics? Explore more at Moyens I/O and see how the Reachy Mini can spark your interest in technology.