Commercial model
$299 list price
A published price gives buyers a starting point for budgeting, ROI modeling, and peer comparison before deeper vendor conversations begin.
Release
Jul 1, 2025
Price
$299
Connectivity
2
Status
Pre-order
Height
28 cm (11 in)
Weight
1.5 kg (3.3 lb)
Companions
Pre-order
Reachy Mini
Reachy Mini is an open-source desktop robot from Pollen Robotics and Hugging Face focused on human-robot interaction, creative coding, and AI experimentation. It ships as a DIY kit and comes in two variants: a Lite version that runs from a connected computer and a wireless version with onboard Raspberry Pi 4 compute, Wi-Fi, and battery. The platform emphasizes accessibility for developers, educators, and hobbyists, with Python programmability, Hugging Face app integration, and expressive head/body motion for conversational and multimodal projects.
Listed price
$299
$299 for Reachy Mini Lite; $449 for wireless Reachy Mini (plus taxes/shipping)
Release window
Jul 1, 2025
Current status
Pre-order
Pollen Robotics
Last verified
Mar 10, 2026
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Technical overview
Core specifications and system stack
A fast read on the mechanical profile, sensing package, and platform integrations behind Reachy Mini.
Technical Specifications
Height
28 cm (11 in)
Weight
1.5 kg (3.3 lb)
Dimensions
16 cm (6.3 in) width; ~23 cm (9 in) tall in sleep mode
Battery Life
Not officially disclosed
Charging Time
Not officially disclosed
Max Speed
Not officially disclosed
Tech Components
Operational profile
How this robot is configured
Capabilities
8
Connectivity
2
Key capabilities
6-DoF head movementFull body rotationAnimated antennas for expressive interactionAudio-visual interaction (camera, microphones, speaker)Python-programmable behaviorsHugging Face app ecosystem integrationSimulation-first development workflowDIY kit assembly (2–3 hours)
Ecosystem fit
Hugging Face HubPython SDKRaspberry Pi 4 (wireless model)MacLinux
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About the Reachy Mini
3Sensors2Protocols8Capabilities$0.3kListed Price
The Reachy Mini is a Companions robot built by Pollen Robotics. Reachy Mini is an open-source desktop robot from Pollen Robotics and Hugging Face focused on human-robot interaction, creative coding, and AI experimentation. It ships as a DIY kit and comes in two variants: a Lite version that runs from a connected computer and a wireless version with onboard Raspberry Pi 4 compute, Wi-Fi, and battery. The platform emphasizes accessibility for developers, educators, and hobbyists, with Python programmability, Hugging Face app integration, and expressive head/body motion for conversational and multimodal projects.
At a listed price of $299, it positions itself in the consumer-accessible segment of the companions market. See all Pollen Robotics robots on the Pollen Robotics page.
Spec Breakdown
Detailed specifications for the Reachy Mini
Height
28 cm (11 in)At 28 cm (11 in), the Reachy Mini is sized for its intended operating environment and use cases.
Weight
1.5 kg (3.3 lb)Weighing 1.5 kg (3.3 lb), the Reachy Mini balances structural integrity with portability and maneuverability.
Dimensions
16 cm (6.3 in) width; ~23 cm (9 in) tall in sleep modeThe overall dimensions of 16 cm (6.3 in) width; ~23 cm (9 in) tall in sleep mode define the robot's physical footprint and determine what spaces it can navigate and what clearances it requires for operation.
Battery Life
Not officially disclosedWith a battery life of Not officially disclosed, the Reachy Mini can operate for sustained periods before requiring a recharge. Battery life is measured under typical operating conditions and may vary based on workload intensity and environmental factors.
Charging Time
Not officially disclosedA charging time of Not officially disclosed means the ratio of operation to downtime is an important consideration for applications requiring near-continuous availability. Some deployments use multiple robots in rotation to maintain uninterrupted service.
Maximum Speed
Not officially disclosedA top speed of Not officially disclosed is calibrated for the robot's primary operating environment and safety requirements.
The Reachy Mini uses Open-source Python SDK with Hugging Face model/app integrations for speech, vision, and conversational behaviors as its intelligence backbone. This AI platform powers the robot's decision-making, perception processing, and autonomous behavior. The sophistication of the AI stack directly impacts how well the robot handles unexpected situations and adapts to new environments.
Reachy Mini Sensor Suite
The Reachy Mini integrates 3 sensor types, forming the perceptual foundation that enables autonomous operation.
This sensor configuration enables the Reachy Mini to perceive its environment and operate autonomously in its intended use cases. Multiple sensor modalities provide redundancy and more robust perception than any single sensor type alone.
Explore sensor technologies: components glossary · full components directory
Reachy Mini Use Cases & Applications
Companion robots provide social interaction, emotional support, and entertainment. Unlike utility robots, their primary value proposition is the relationship they build with their owner. The best companions learn preferences, develop personalities, and create genuine emotional connections.
Capabilities That Enable Real-World Use
The Reachy Mini offers 8 distinct capabilities, each contributing to the robot's practical utility.
6-DoF head movement
Full body rotation
Animated antennas for expressive interaction
Audio-visual interaction (camera, microphones, speaker)
Python-programmable behaviors
Hugging Face app ecosystem integration
Simulation-first development workflow
DIY kit assembly (2–3 hours)
These capabilities work together with the robot's 3 onboard sensor types and Open-source Python SDK with Hugging Face model/app integrations for speech, vision, and conversational behaviors AI platform to deliver practical, real-world performance.
Ecosystem Integration
The Reachy Mini integrates with the following platforms and ecosystems, extending its utility beyond standalone operation.
Hugging Face Hub
Python SDK
Raspberry Pi 4 (wireless model)
Mac
Linux
This ecosystem compatibility enables the Reachy Mini to work as part of a broader automation setup rather than operating in isolation.
Reachy Mini Capabilities
8
Capabilities
3
Sensor Types
AI
Open-source Python SDK with …
6-DoF head movement
Full body rotation
Animated antennas for expressive interaction
Audio-visual interaction (camera, microphones, speaker)
Python-programmable behaviors
Hugging Face app ecosystem integration
Simulation-first development workflow
DIY kit assembly (2–3 hours)
Connectivity & Integration
How the Reachy Mini communicates with your network, smart home devices, cloud services, and companion apps.
Network & Communication Protocols
✓ Wi-Fi for local network and cloud access — enabling the Reachy Mini to participate in various networking scenarios.
Reachy Mini Technology Stack Overview
The Reachy Mini by Pollen Robotics integrates 6 distinct technology components across sensing, connectivity, intelligence, and interaction layers. The physical platform features a height of 28 cm (11 in), a weight of 1.5 kg (3.3 lb), a top speed of Not officially disclosed, providing the foundation on which this technology stack operates.
Perception — 3 Sensor Types
The perception layer is built on Wide-angle camera, 4 microphones, Accelerometer (wireless Reachy Mini). These work in concert to give the robot a detailed understanding of its operating environment. This multi-sensor approach provides redundancy and enables the robot to function reliably even when individual sensors encounter challenging conditions such as low light, reflective surfaces, or cluttered spaces.
Connectivity — 2 Protocols
For communications, the Reachy Mini relies on USB (Reachy Mini Lite via host computer), Wi-Fi (wireless Reachy Mini). This connectivity stack ensures the robot can communicate with cloud services, local smart home devices, mobile apps, and other networked systems in its environment.
Intelligence — Open-source Python SDK with Hugging Face model/app integrations for speech, vision, and conversational behaviors
Open-source Python SDK with Hugging Face model/app integrations for speech, vision, and conversational behaviors serves as the computational brain, processing sensor data, making navigation decisions, and orchestrating the robot's autonomous behaviors. The quality of this AI platform directly influences how well the robot handles novel situations, adapts to changes in its environment, and improves its performance over time through learning.
Who Should Consider the Reachy Mini?
Target Audience
Social and companion robots are purchased by families, elderly individuals, and tech enthusiasts looking for interactive, emotionally engaging robotic pets or social companions. They are particularly popular in Japan and increasingly in senior care contexts worldwide.
Key Considerations
Emotional expressiveness, interaction quality, voice recognition, personality development over time, and durability (especially for children) are what matter most. Privacy controls for cameras and microphones are increasingly important. Battery life determines how available the companion is throughout the day.
Price Context
At $299 ($299 for Reachy Mini Lite; $449 for wireless Reachy Mini (plus taxes/shipping)), the Reachy Mini sits in the budget price tier for companions robots. This competitive price point makes the technology accessible to a broad consumer base.
Availability
Pre-orderThe Reachy Mini is available for pre-order. Pre-ordering secures your position in the delivery queue, though actual ship dates may vary.
Reachy Mini: Strengths & Trade-offs
Engineering compromises and where this companions robot excels
What the Reachy Mini does well
Broad capability set
With 8 distinct capabilities, the Reachy Mini is designed as a versatile platform rather than a single-task device. This breadth means the robot can handle varied scenarios and workflows, reducing the need for multiple specialized robots and increasing its utility across different situations.
Accessible price point
At $299, the Reachy Mini is competitively priced within the companions market. This price point makes the technology accessible to a broader audience and represents a lower barrier to entry for those exploring companions robotics.
What to consider carefully
Currently in pre-order
The Reachy Mini is not yet available as a finished, shipping product. While pre-ordering secures a position in the delivery queue, actual delivery timelines and final specifications should be confirmed with the manufacturer.
Note: This strengths and trade-offs assessment is based on the Reachy Mini's documented specifications as tracked in the ui44 database. Real-world performance depends on deployment conditions, firmware maturity, and environmental factors. For the most current information, check the Pollen Robotics manufacturer page or visit the official product page. Use the comparison tool to evaluate these trade-offs against competing robots in the same category.
How Companions Robot Technology Works
Understanding the engineering behind this category
Companion robots sit at the intersection of engineering and emotional design. Unlike utility robots measured by specifications like suction power or payload capacity, companion robots are judged by how well they make people feel — their expressiveness, responsiveness, personality, and ability to form genuine-seeming bonds with their owners. The technology behind these emotional machines is surprisingly sophisticated, drawing from psychology, animation, and cutting-edge AI.
Navigation & Mobility
Companion robots typically operate in confined indoor spaces and prioritize safe, predictable movement over sophisticated mapping. Most use simple but effective navigation combining bump sensors, cliff detection, and basic obstacle avoidance. Some advanced models incorporate camera-based person-following — the ability to track and follow a specific person through rooms. Unlike utility robots that need systematic coverage, companion robots navigate toward social engagement: moving toward voices, approaching detected family members, or positioning themselves for optimal interaction. The movement itself is often designed to convey personality — a curious robot might lean forward when exploring, while a timid one might approach cautiously.
The Role of AI
AI is the heart of a companion robot's appeal. Emotion recognition systems analyze facial expressions, voice tone, and behavioral patterns to infer the user's emotional state and respond appropriately. Natural language processing enables conversational interaction that goes beyond simple command-response patterns. Personality systems create consistent behavioral traits that make the robot feel like an individual rather than a generic device. Machine learning allows the robot to adapt to its owner's preferences, schedule, and interaction style over time. The most advanced companion robots use generative AI to create novel responses and behaviors rather than relying solely on pre-programmed scripts, making interactions feel more natural and less repetitive.
Sensor Fusion & Perception
Companion robot sensors prioritize social perception over environmental mapping. Cameras detect faces, read expressions, and enable recognition of family members. Microphone arrays with beamforming capture and localize voice from across a room, enabling natural conversation without shouting. Touch sensors across the body detect petting, hugging, and other physical interaction, triggering appropriate emotional responses. Some models include heart-rate or breathing-rate sensors in their touch surfaces, enabling health-monitoring features for elderly users. Temperature and light sensors help the robot understand context — bedtime versus activity time — and adjust its behavior accordingly.
Power & Battery Management
Companion robots need to be available throughout the day to maintain the social bond with their owner. Battery life of eight hours or more is typical, with automatic return-to-charging-dock behavior when levels drop. Power management is designed to be invisible — the robot should seem always available and never interrupt a social moment to announce low battery. Some companion robots use sleep modes during inactive periods, with motion or sound detection to wake instantly when the owner approaches. Charging docks often double as the robot's designated resting spot, making the charging behavior feel natural rather than mechanical.
Safety by Design
Companion robots prioritize child and elderly safety with rounded corners, pinch-free joint designs, and materials safe for skin contact. Emotional safety is equally important — companion robots are designed to never express anger, fear, or distress in ways that could upset vulnerable users. Privacy features include physical camera covers, microphone mute buttons, and transparent data handling policies. For elderly users, companion robots may include fall-detection alerts, activity monitoring, and remote check-in features that balance safety with privacy. The robot's emotional responses are carefully calibrated to avoid over-attachment or dependency concerns.
What's Next for Companions Robots
Companion robotics is evolving toward more nuanced emotional intelligence, deeper personalization, and expanded health-monitoring capabilities. Advances in generative AI are enabling more natural and varied conversational interaction. Future companion robots may serve as health monitoring platforms that detect changes in an owner's mood, activity levels, or cognitive patterns — providing early warning of health issues to family members or caregivers. The integration of companion features into utility robots (and vice versa) may blur category boundaries, creating household robots that are both helpful and emotionally engaging.
The Reachy Mini by Pollen Robotics incorporates many of these technology pillars. For a detailed look at the specific sensors and components used in the Reachy Mini, see the sensor analysis and connectivity sections above, or browse the complete components glossary for explanations of every technology used across the robotics industry.
Reachy Mini in the Companions Market
How this robot compares in the companions landscape
At $299, the Reachy Mini competes in the entry-level segment of the companions market, where affordability is the primary consideration for most buyers.
The Reachy Mini's 3 sensor types provide solid perceptual coverage for its intended use cases. This mid-range sensor suite balances cost with capability, covering the essential modalities needed for companions applications.
Head-to-Head Comparisons
Side-by-side specs, capability overlap analysis, and key differentiators.
For the full picture of Pollen Robotics's portfolio and market strategy, visit the Pollen Robotics manufacturer page.
Deployment Readiness and Procurement Signals for Reachy Mini
What the public profile tells you, and what still needs direct vendor confirmation
From a buying and rollout perspective, the Reachy Mini should be read as a companions platform aimed at social, education, or care environments where interaction quality matters. ui44 currently tracks 8 capability signals, 3 sensor inputs, and a last verification date of 2026-03-10. That mix gives buyers a useful first-pass picture, but it is still only the public layer of due diligence, especially when procurement, uptime, and support commitments are decided directly with Pollen Robotics.
Integration posture
2 connectivity options
The profile lists USB (Reachy Mini Lite via host computer), Wi-Fi (wireless Reachy Mini), plus Open-source Python SDK with Hugging Face model/app integrations for speech, vision, and conversational behaviors as the AI stack. That is enough to infer the basic network posture, but buyers should still confirm APIs, fleet management, and workflow integration details. ui44 currently tracks 5 declared compatibility links.
Spec disclosure
3/7 core specs public
ui44 currently has 3 of 7 core physical and operating specs filled in for this model, leaving 4 gaps that matter for deployment planning. Missing runtime, charge, speed, or payload details can materially change staffing and site-readiness assumptions.
The current profile is useful for scouting, but it still leaves meaningful operational unknowns. If this robot is heading toward a pilot or purchase discussion, the next step should be a structured vendor Q&A that fills the remaining runtime, charging, payload, safety, or integration blanks before anyone builds ROI assumptions around it.
If you want a faster apples-to-apples read, compare the Reachy Mini against nearby alternatives in ui44's compare view, then cross-check the underlying AI, sensor, and subsystem terms in the components glossary. For manufacturer-level context, the Pollen Robotics profile helps anchor this robot inside the wider product lineup.
Before you sign off on a pilot, confirm these points
- Ask for real shift runtime under the intended workload, not just standby endurance.
- Confirm how the charging workflow works in practice, including charger count, swap options, and expected downtime.
- Verify travel speed and cycle time if the robot must keep up with people, lines, or service windows.
- Clarify usable payload or tool-load limits before planning material handling or mounted accessories.
Owning the Reachy Mini: Setup, Maintenance & Tips
Practical guide from day one through years of ownership
Initial Setup
Companion robot setup is designed to be simple and engaging — the first interaction sets the tone for the relationship. Typical setup involves charging the robot, downloading the companion app, connecting to Wi-Fi, and going through an introduction sequence where the robot learns your face and name. Many companion robots have a personality development phase during the first few days, where they become more responsive and personalized as they learn your voice, habits, and preferences. Place the charging dock in a social area where the robot can be part of daily life rather than tucked away in a corner. Introduce the robot to all family members during setup so it can learn to recognize everyone.
Ongoing Maintenance
Companion robots generally require minimal maintenance. Weekly care includes wiping the exterior with a soft cloth, checking that sensors and cameras are clean, and ensuring the charging dock area is clear. Monthly tasks include checking for and installing software updates, cleaning any microphone or speaker grilles, and inspecting the wheels or locomotion system for hair or debris. The emotional design means that maintenance should feel like care rather than servicing — many owners naturally incorporate it into their interaction with the robot.
Software Updates & Long-Term Support
Software updates for companion robots often add new behaviors, expressions, voice capabilities, and interaction patterns. These updates keep the relationship fresh and can significantly enhance the robot's emotional range and social intelligence over time. Most companion robots update automatically during sleep or charging periods. Some manufacturers offer premium content subscriptions that add seasonal behaviors, educational content, or language capabilities.
Maximizing Longevity
Companion robots typically last three to five years or more with gentle handling. The primary concerns are battery health and physical wear from daily interaction. Avoid dropping the robot or handling it roughly, especially the camera and sensor areas. Keep the robot away from water and extreme temperatures. Battery life will gradually decrease over time; contact the manufacturer about battery replacement options when charging becomes noticeably more frequent. For children's companion robots, supervise initial interactions to establish gentle handling habits.
For Pollen Robotics-specific support resources and documentation, visit the Pollen Robotics page on ui44 or check the manufacturer's official website at Pollen Robotics's product page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Reachy Mini?
The Reachy Mini is a Companions robot made by Pollen Robotics. Reachy Mini is an open-source desktop robot from Pollen Robotics and Hugging Face focused on human-robot interaction, creative coding, and AI experimentation. It ships as a DIY kit and comes in two variants: a Lite version that runs from a connected computer and a wireless version with onboard Raspberry Pi 4 compute, Wi-Fi, and battery. The platform emphasizes accessibility for developers, educators, and hobbyists, with Python programmability, Hugging Face app integration, and expressive head/body motion for conversational and multimodal projects. It features 3 sensor types, 2 connectivity protocols, and 8 distinct capabilities.
How much does the Reachy Mini cost?
The Reachy Mini is listed at $299 ($299 for Reachy Mini Lite; $449 for wireless Reachy Mini (plus taxes/shipping)). This places it in the budget-friendly consumer tier for companions robots. Prices may vary by region and retailer.
Is the Reachy Mini available to buy?
The Reachy Mini is currently available for pre-order. Visit Pollen Robotics's website to reserve yours. Delivery timelines may vary by region.
What sensors does the Reachy Mini have?
The Reachy Mini is equipped with 3 sensor types: Wide-angle camera, 4 microphones, Accelerometer (wireless Reachy Mini). These sensors work together through sensor fusion to provide comprehensive environmental awareness for autonomous operation. See the sensor analysis section for details.
How long does the Reachy Mini battery last?
The Reachy Mini has a rated battery life of Not officially disclosed and charges in Not officially disclosed. Actual battery performance may vary based on usage intensity, ambient temperature, and specific tasks being performed. Heavy workloads like continuous navigation and sensor processing will consume battery faster than idle or standby modes.
What AI does the Reachy Mini use?
The Reachy Mini is powered by Open-source Python SDK with Hugging Face model/app integrations for speech, vision, and conversational behaviors. This AI platform handles the robot's perception processing, decision-making, and autonomous behavior. The sophistication of the AI directly impacts how well the robot handles unexpected situations, learns from its environment, and improves over time.
How does the Reachy Mini compare to the Pophie?
The Reachy Mini and Pophie are both companions robots, but they differ in key specifications, pricing, and manufacturer approach. Use the side-by-side comparison tool to see detailed differences in specs, sensors, and capabilities. You can also browse other similar robots below.
Does the Reachy Mini work with smart home systems?
Yes, the Reachy Mini is compatible with: Hugging Face Hub, Python SDK, Raspberry Pi 4 (wireless model), Mac, Linux. This ecosystem integration allows the robot to work alongside your existing smart home devices and platforms rather than operating as an isolated system.
How current is the Reachy Mini data on ui44?
The Reachy Mini specifications on ui44 were last verified on 2026-03-10. All data is sourced from official Pollen Robotics documentation, spec sheets, and press releases. If you notice any outdated information, please let us know.
Data Integrity
All Reachy Mini data on ui44 is verified against official Pollen Robotics sources, including spec sheets, product pages, and press releases. Last verified: 2026-03-10. Official source: Pollen Robotics product page. If you find outdated or incorrect information, please let us know — accuracy is our top priority.
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