# Hugging Face Democratizes Robotics with $100 3D-Printed Arm

## Hugging Face Democratizes Robotics with $100 3D-Printed Arm

Hugging Face, renowned for its AI developer platform, is expanding its reach beyond software with the release of a 3D-printable robotic arm, the SO-101. Starting at an accessible price point of $100, this programmable arm is designed for picking, placing, and performing basic tasks, bringing robotics development within reach of a wider audience.

The SO-101 builds upon the foundation of Hugging Face’s previous venture into robotics hardware, the SO-100. LeRobot, Hugging Face’s robotics division, is again collaborating with The Robot Studio, a French robotics firm, on this project. They have also partnered with Wowrobo, Seeedstudio, and Partabot to deliver the SO-101.

Priced comparably to its predecessor, the SO-101 boasts several improvements. Assembly is now faster, and enhanced motors reduce friction while enabling the arm to support its own weight more effectively. Equipped with a camera, the SO-101 can be trained using reinforcement learning, an AI technique that allows it to learn new tasks such as sorting objects, like Lego blocks.

While the base price of the SO-101 is $100, final costs can vary between $100 and $500, depending on the chosen supplier. Factors like full assembly options and U.S. tariffs on Chinese imports contribute to the price range.

Hugging Face’s commitment to robotics extends beyond the SO-101. The recent acquisition of Pollen Robotics, a French humanoid robotics startup led by ex-Tesla Optimus engineer Remi Cadene, signals a significant expansion of their robotics efforts. Hugging Face plans to commercialize Pollen’s Reachy 2 humanoid robot and foster open-source development by allowing developers to contribute to and improve its code. With the SO-101 and future ventures, Hugging Face is positioning itself as a key player in democratizing AI-powered robotics for developers and enthusiasts alike.