Hugging Face, the New York City-startup known for its open-source repository of machine learning and AI code, is venturing into the field of robotics. The company, under the leadership of former Tesla staff scientist Remi Cadene, is launching an open-source robotics project. Unlike OpenAI, Hugging Face aims to keep its robotics project open-source, in line with its core values. This move comes as the robotics industry experiences a surge in investment and interest, with companies like Tesla and Figure entering the space.

Illustration: csengineermag.com

Hugging Face is currently seeking robotics engineers to join their team in Paris, France. The job listing for an "Embodied Robotics Engineer" reveals that the role will involve designing, building, and maintaining open-source and low-cost robotic systems that integrate AI technologies, including deep learning and embodied AI. The hired engineers will collaborate with ML engineers, researchers, and product teams to develop innovative solutions that push the boundaries of robotics and AI.

By entering the robotics field, Hugging Face is embarking on an ambitious expansion beyond its software-focused expertise. The company aims to leverage its knowledge in machine learning and AI to create low-cost robotic systems that incorporate deep learning and embodied AI technologies. This move aligns with the growing interest in "embodied" AI, which involves creating machines capable of autonomously navigating the physical world and assisting humans with various tasks.

Illustration: uk.pcmag.com

Remi Cadene, the leader of Hugging Face's robotics project, previously worked at Tesla for nearly three years. During his time at Tesla, he was part of the Autopilot group and contributed to the development of the humanoid robot Optimus. His experience at Tesla likely influenced his decision to spearhead Hugging Face's foray into the robotics industry.