Hugging Face Releases Affordable SO-101 Robotic Arm
Hugging Face, known for its AI developer platform, has launched the SO-101, a programmable, 3D-printable robotic arm. Starting at $100, the SO-101 builds on its predecessor, the SO-100, with key improvements.
Developed by Hugging Face's robotics division, LeRobot, in partnership with The Robot Studio, Wowrobo, Seeedstudio, and Partabot, the SO-101 offers faster assembly and enhanced motors. These motors reduce friction and allow the arm to support its own weight more effectively.
Improved Design and AI Capabilities
The SO-101 is equipped with a camera and can be trained using reinforcement learning. This AI technique enables the arm to learn tasks like picking and placing objects, such as Lego blocks.
Super excited to introduce SO-101 today from @huggingface, in collaboration with @therobotstudio, Wowrobo, Seeedstudio & Partabot.
Building on top of the insanely successful SO-100 (the most popular robot arms ever?), SO-101 are the first robot arms any AI builder should buy. pic.twitter.com/Y3IHskmiGb
— clem (@ClementDelangue) April 28, 2025
Pricing and Availability
While the base price is $100, the final cost of the SO-101 can range up to $500 depending on the supplier and whether the unit is pre-assembled. This price variation is due to premiums on assembled units and U.S. tariffs on imports from China.
Hugging Face Expands Robotics Efforts
Hugging Face is actively expanding its presence in the robotics field. The company recently acquired Pollen Robotics, a French humanoid robotics startup. Led by former Tesla Optimus engineer Remi Cadene, Hugging Face's robotics division plans to sell Pollen Robotics' humanoid robot, Reachy 2, and encourage open-source development of its code.
