Hugging Face, a startup based in New York City is renowned for its pivotal role in the open-source machine learning and AI sphere. Now, it’s venturing into new territory: robotics. Under the leadership of Remi Cadene, a former Tesla staff scientist, the company has announced the inception of an open-source robotics project. This marks a significant directional shift for Hugging Face, which historically focused on software rather than hardware.
Stepping into the robotics domain with an open-source ethos
As Cadene outlines, this project’s heart is a commitment to Hugging Face’s open-source principles. This approach is a deliberate divergence from the strategies of other key players in the field, including OpenAI. Cadene’s transition from working under Elon Musk at Tesla to leading this new initiative at Hugging Face is notable, especially in light of the recent legal complexities involving Musk and OpenAI.
The recruitment drive for this project is already underway, with Hugging Face seeking robotics engineers in Paris. The role of an “Embodied Robotics Engineer,” detailed in a job listing, offers insights into the project’s ambitions. The position involves creating, developing, and maintaining affordable and open-source robotic systems integrated with cutting-edge AI technologies, particularly in deep learning and embodied AI. Collaborative efforts with teams from various departments will be vital to pushing the boundaries of what’s achievable in robotics and AI.
The rising tide in humanoid robotics and AI integration
This expansion mirrors the growing interest and investment in the broader robotics industry. Tesla’s pursuit of its humanoid robot, Optimus, is a case in point, with Cadene contributing to this project as part of Tesla’s Autopilot group. The robotics sector is also witnessing significant financial investments, exemplified by the success of companies like Figure in securing substantial funding for their robotic endeavours.
There’s a notable trend in robotics towards leveraging advancements in generative AI and machine learning. The objective is to develop robots that can be trained more efficiently, economically, and accurately. This movement towards “embodied” AI aims to transition technology from digital screens to machines that can autonomously navigate and interact in the real world. The potential applications of such technology are vast, ranging from easing household tasks to transforming manufacturing processes.
Remi Cadene’s experience, spanning nearly three years at Tesla (April 2021 – March 2024), places him at the forefront of this exciting new chapter for Hugging Face. His expertise, combined with the company’s reputation in the AI and machine learning community, sets the stage for potentially groundbreaking developments in robotics.