Reachy Mini: Open-Source Desktop Humanoid Robot for Education and AI Prototyping

Open-source desktop humanoid robot designed for developers, educators, students, and makers. Modular hardware, expressive design, and Python SDK enable rapid AI experimentation.

In the rapidly evolving world of modern robotics, Reachy Mini has emerged as a standout solution for anyone interested in exploring humanoid robots on a compact scale. Designed as an open-source desktop humanoid, Reachy Mini is tailored to make robotics accessible not only to developers and AI enthusiasts but also to educators, students, and makers. Its combination of expressive movements, modular hardware, and seamless software integration ensures that users can experiment, learn, and innovate without the steep learning curve traditionally associated with robotics.

Reachy Mini comes in two versatile versions to cater to different user needs. The Lite version focuses on essential functionality, featuring a 6-DoF head, LED eyes, and animated antennas. These features make it ideal for classroom demonstrations, robotics workshops, and introductory prototyping, allowing users to bring engaging robotic behaviors to life with minimal setup. Meanwhile, the Wireless version builds upon the Lite version’s capabilities by including advanced sensors, cameras, and Wi-Fi connectivity, along with integration of a Raspberry Pi 5. This enables a broader range of AI experimentation, such as real-time computer vision projects, human-robot interaction, and autonomous decision-making. The modular design ensures that hardware components can be upgraded or customized, giving users the freedom to expand the robot’s capabilities as their projects grow.

One of Reachy Mini’s most powerful features is its Python SDK, which allows users to easily program custom behaviors, run simulations, and connect the robot to more than 1.7 million Hugging Face AI models. This opens the door to countless creative possibilities, including voice-controlled interactions, expressive gestures, and intelligent autonomous responses. Whether you are building an AI research project, developing interactive applications, or simply exploring robotics as a hobby, Reachy Mini provides a flexible and intuitive platform.

Beyond programming, Reachy Mini serves as an engaging educational tool. Its approachable size and visual expressiveness make it particularly effective for teaching STEM concepts in schools, universities, and robotics clubs. Students can learn coding, AI integration, and mechatronics through hands-on experimentation, making abstract concepts tangible and exciting. Moreover, educators can leverage the robot to demonstrate AI concepts, human-robot interaction, and motion planning in a visually compelling way, enhancing both comprehension and engagement.

Reachy Mini is also a hub for creative exploration and open-source collaboration. Its compatibility with open-source software and hardware encourages users to share projects, improve existing designs, and contribute to the global robotics community. From hobbyists creating interactive art installations to researchers prototyping intelligent robotic assistants, Reachy Mini provides an accessible yet powerful platform to experiment with next-generation robotics concepts.

Whether your goal is to dive into STEM education, prototype AI-powered robotics projects, or simply enjoy the fascination of a humanoid desktop companion, Reachy Mini offers a versatile, approachable, and inspiring entry point. Its combination of modular hardware, expressive design, and AI integration ensures that users at all levels—from beginners to advanced developers—can push the boundaries of what small-scale robotics can achieve.

Learn more about Reachy Mini versions and explore how to get started today at reachy-mini.net.