Hugging Face—best known for reshaping the open-source AI landscape—is now making a bold move into physical robotics. Their latest release, the SO-101, is a $100, 3D-printable robotic arm that’s programmable, AI-trainable, and aimed at hobbyists, educators, and researchers alike.
Here’s everything you need to know 👇
🔧 The SO-101: Small Arm, Big Ambition
The SO-101 is the successor to last year’s SO-100. While the price point remains at around $100 for the base kit, assembled versions may go up to $500 depending on supplier and import tariffs.
Built by Hugging Face’s robotics division LeRobot in partnership with The Robot Studio, Wowrobo, Seeedstudio, and Partabot, this arm is all about accessibility and customization.
🚀 What’s New in the SO-101?
- Faster assembly process
- Improved motors that reduce friction and support self-weight
- Built-in camera to enable visual processing and AI training
- Reinforcement learning support—train it to pick up and sort objects like Lego blocks over time
🤖 A Bigger Robotics Strategy Unfolds
The SO-101 isn’t a one-off project. Hugging Face recently acquired Pollen Robotics, the team behind the humanoid robot Reachy 2. Leading this robotics charge is Remi Cadene, a former Tesla Optimus engineer.
Plans include selling Reachy 2 and making its software freely available for developers to modify, improve, and build upon.
🌍 Why It Matters
Hugging Face is positioning itself at the intersection of open-source AI and accessible robotics. With tools like the SO-101 and Reachy 2, they’re lowering the barrier for hands-on experimentation with AI-powered machines.
Whether you're a curious builder, AI researcher, or just someone who wants a robot arm that can clean your desk—this could be your entry point.
👁️🗨️ Final Thought:
AI is no longer just living in your browser window. With Hugging Face’s latest moves, it might soon be living on your workbench.
Would you build one?
