Hugging Face, a company known for its AI developer tools, released the SO-101, a programmable, 3D-printable robotic arm through its robotics group, LeRobot, working with partners like The Robot Studio, WowRobo, Seeed Studio, and PartaBot. Simply put, it’s a big move forward to make robotics accessible for everyone, starting at just $100.
You can 3D print most of the parts yourself, and the project’s GitHub page has clear instructions, including a list of needed materials (BOM). You’ll need parts like STS3215 Servo 7.4V units (found on Alibaba). With a camera, the arm can learn tasks like picking up a Lego block and dropping it in a bin using reinforcement learning, an AI method.It has six motors and can work with one or more cameras, ideal for tasks like grabbing and moving things.
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The SO-101 is built to be user-friendly for DIY fans, but you’ll need a bit of tech knowledge to print, get parts, and put it together. If you’re new to robotics, their tutorials (like those for LeRobot) can guide you. Training the arm with reinforcement learning might need some AI knowledge, but Hugging Face’s LeRobot platform provides ready-to-use models and datasets to help you start.
This launch is a big deal for robotics fans, especially since industrial robotic arms can cost thousands. Hugging Face is working to make robotics open to everyone, and the SO-101 is a strong step in that direction. Ready to make your own? Check out the full tutorial here now.