Hugging Face Launches Open-Source SO-101 Robot Arm for AI Builders

Hugging Face, in collaboration with The Robot Studio, Wowrobo, Seeed Studio, and Partabot, announced the launch of SO-101, an open-source robot arm, on Monday. 

The SO-101, designed for AI developers, is now available globally at a price ranging from $100 to $500, depending on assembly level and shipping country. The new model builds on the success of the earlier SO-100 and aims to make affordable, open-source robotics accessible to a broader community.

SO-101 integrates fully with Hugging Face’s robotics ecosystem, including LeRobot and Pollen Robotics (the company’s recent acquisition), offering hardware and software that can be modified and improved by users. 

Clément Delangue, co-founder and CEO of Hugging Face, said in a post on X, “SO-101 are the first robot arms any AI builder should buy.” Documentation and setup instructions are available on Hugging Face’s GitHub page.

The SO-101 targets AI builders seeking affordable and flexible robotic tools. Hugging Face expects the model to continue the popularity of the SO-100, which Delangue described as “the most popular robot arms ever?” 

The company highlighted the project as part of its ongoing commitment to open-source innovation in AI robotics.

Community members are encouraged to experiment and contribute to the SO-101 project through the available resources. Delangue expressed anticipation for how developers will use the new arm, stating, “Can’t wait to see what you all build with it.”