Hugging Face Acquires Humanoid Robotics Startup: A Game-Changer in AI and Robotics
In a significant move within the robotics sector, AI development platform Hugging Face has successfully acquired Pollen Robotics, a pioneering startup based in France. This acquisition is poised to enhance Hugging Face’s offerings in the realm of humanoid robots.
Details of the Acquisition
Although the financial specifics of the deal remain undisclosed, reports from Wired indicate that Hugging Face intends to commercialize Pollen’s humanoid robot, Reachy 2. Developers will also have the opportunity to download the robot’s code and suggest enhancements.
About Pollen Robotics
Founded in 2016 by Matthieu Lapeyre and Pierre Rouanet, Pollen Robotics has been dedicated to making humanoid robots accessible for home use. Prior to the acquisition, the startup successfully raised approximately €2.5 million (around $2.83 million) from prominent investors, including Bpifrance, according to data from Crunchbase.
The Future of Robotics and AI
The acquisition underscores Hugging Face’s commitment to expanding its robotics initiatives, a journey that Pollen has been integral to. Over the past 18 months, the intersection of AI and robotics has emerged as a crucial frontier, with Hugging Face taking a proactive role in this evolution.
Collaboration and Innovations
In 2023, Hugging Face collaborated with Pollen to develop “Le Robot,” an open-source robot designed to perform various household tasks. Furthermore, Hugging Face has established a dedicated robotics team led by Remi Cadene, a former robotics engineer from Tesla’s Optimus program.
As the landscape of robotics continues to evolve, this acquisition could pave the way for innovative solutions that merge AI capabilities with physical robotics, enhancing everyday life.
Stay Updated on Robotics Trends
For more insights into the rapidly advancing field of robotics and AI, consider visiting our Robotics News page or explore related articles on MIT Technology Review.