Hugging Face, the startup renowned for its open-source projects like the machine learning codebase and ChatGPT rival Hugging Chat, has set its sights on the world of robotics. Former Tesla staff scientist, Remi Cadene, unveiled this ambitious expansion in a recent post on X. Cadene, now at the helm of Hugging Face's robotics initiative, emphasized the project's commitment to the principles of open source. He made a pointed reference to the ongoing legal battle between OpenAI and his former boss, Elon Musk, stating that Hugging Face's approach is "open-source, not as in Open AI."

Hugging Face is actively recruiting robotics engineers in Paris, France. A detailed job listing for the position of "Embodied Robotics Engineer" sheds light on the project's objectives. These include the design, construction, and maintenance of open-source, low-cost robotic systems integrating AI technologies, with a specific focus on deep learning and embodied AI.The role entails close collaboration with machine learning engineers, researchers, and product teams to pioneer innovative robotics solutions, pushing the boundaries of what is achievable in both robotics and AI.

Key responsibilities range from constructing cost-effective robots using off-the-shelf components and 3D-printed parts to seamlessly integrating deep learning and embodied AI technologies into these robotic systems. While Hugging Face has traditionally concentrated on software offerings, such as its machine learning codebase and open-source chatbot, the foray into the realm of robotics signifies a significant shift towards hardware. The startup's objective is clear – to democratize access to AI in the physical world through open and affordable robotic platforms, cementing its position as a trailblazer at the intersection of AI and robotics