Reachy 2: Open-Source Humanoid Robot for Research and Education

Reachy 2: An Open-Source Humanoid Robot for Research and Education

The world of robotics is on the cusp of a new era. With the introduction of Reachy 2, the first commercially available open-source humanoid robot, new possibilities are opening up for research and education in the field of artificial intelligence. Developed by the French company Pollen Robotics, which was acquired by Hugging Face in 2025, Reachy 2 offers a unique platform for the research and development of AI applications in robotics.

A Versatile Robot with Human-like Features

Reachy 2 is characterized by its human-like form. With articulated arms, a movable head, and expressive antennae, the robot can perform complex movements and simulate human interactions. Its mobile base allows for omnidirectional movement, ensuring precise navigation in various environments.

Equipped with a variety of sensors, including cameras, microphones, lidar, IMUs (Inertial Measurement Units), and more, Reachy 2 can perceive its environment in detail and react accordingly. This sensor technology forms the basis for the development of advanced AI algorithms in the field of robotics, for example, for object recognition, navigation, and human-robot interaction.

Open Source and Modularity: Flexibility for Research

A key advantage of Reachy 2 is its open-source nature. The robot's software is based on ROS 2 (Robot Operating System) and is supported by Hugging Face. Additionally, a high-level Python SDK is available, simplifying the programming and control of the robot. This openness allows researchers and developers to adapt the robot to their specific needs and integrate their own software and hardware.

The modular design of Reachy 2 also contributes to its flexibility. The robot can be expanded and modified with various modules to address different research questions. This opens up a wide range of application possibilities, from the exploration of AI algorithms to the development of new robot applications in areas such as industry, healthcare, or education.

Use in Research and Education: From Cornell to Carnegie Mellon

Despite its high price of around 70,000 US dollars, Reachy 2 is already finding favor in renowned research institutions and universities. Both Cornell University and Carnegie Mellon University are using the robot for research purposes and in teaching. The open-source nature and flexibility of Reachy 2 make it a valuable tool for training future robotics experts.

The development and availability of Reachy 2 marks an important step in the democratization of robotics. Through the open-source philosophy and modular design, access to advanced robot technology is facilitated and innovation in this future-oriented field is promoted.

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