Hugging Face, the prominent AI development platform, has acquired Pollen Robotics, a French robotics startup. The financial terms of the deal remain undisclosed. This acquisition signals Hugging Face's strategic expansion into the robotics sector, aiming to bridge the gap between AI models and physical embodiments. Pollen Robotics is known for its open-source humanoid robot, Reachy, a modular platform designed for research, education, and creative applications. Reachy features a unique design with a focus on accessibility and customisation, allowing developers to easily integrate various sensors, actuators, and software components.
The acquisition is expected to accelerate the development of AI-powered robotics solutions by leveraging Hugging Face's expertise in machine learning and Pollen Robotics' hardware and robotics engineering capabilities. Integrating Reachy with Hugging Face's AI models and tools could lead to advancements in areas such as human-robot interaction, robotic manipulation, and autonomous navigation. Furthermore, the open-source nature of both companies suggests a continued commitment to fostering collaboration and innovation within the AI and robotics communities. This move positions Hugging Face as a key player in the emerging field of embodied AI, where AI models are deployed in physical robots to perform real-world tasks. The acquisition could also spur further investment and development in open-source robotics platforms, potentially democratising access to advanced robotics technology.