20,000 preorders: The cute robot that stole the show
A viral moment at a tech conference turned a small robotic duck into a potential holiday sensation, with preorders surging past 20,000 units in a single day.
By John Ferrari ·
For many shoppers planning their holiday season, the search for the perfect gift often ends with a familiar set of electronics. However, this year, a new contender has emerged that is less about high performance and more about pure charm. The Microduck, a small robotic duck that waddles, falls over, and performs somersaults, has quickly become a viral sensation. For ordinary consumers, this means a new category of toy that bridges the gap between a pet and a gadget, promising to bring a bit of whimsy to the holiday table.
The numbers behind the surge are impressive. According to Clem Delangue of Hugging Face, preorders for the Microduck surpassed 20,000 units just one day after a video of the robots went viral. The spike in interest was triggered by a moment during Nvidia’s GTC Berlin conference earlier this week. Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang was seen playing with a flock of these devices on stage. The robots were not just static props; they stomped their feet, made sounds reminiscent of classic sci-fi droids, and responded to voice commands by sitting, standing, or even feigning a nap.
The people behind this phenomenon represent a unique blend of tech giants and open-source innovators. The Microducks are manufactured by Pollen Robotics, a company acquired by Hugging Face in 2025. Hugging Face, in turn, was purchased by Nvidia in September of this year. This means the cute little ducks are now part of the Nvidia family. It is worth noting that this is Hugging Face’s second robot, following the similarly popular Reachy Mini. The ownership structure highlights how major tech companies are increasingly integrating smaller, niche hardware projects into their larger ecosystems.
The technology powering these robots is designed to be accessible to everyday users. The Microducks are open-source devices that were trained using Nvidia’s technology stack. During the manufacturing process, simulations of the ducks were taught basic tricks such as walking, sitting, and standing. These pre-loaded behaviors are what allow them to perform the antics seen in the viral video. However, the design goes beyond simple repetition. Pollen Robotics states that owners can train their specific robots with new tricks. Once learned, these custom moves can be shared with the broader community, fostering a collaborative environment around the hardware.
The stakes for this product are high, both in terms of sales and market positioning. Delangue has suggested that the Microduck could end up being the best-selling robot of the year. Interestingly, he noted that it might not even be a product primarily for children. Promotional materials show adults interacting with the devices, suggesting a broad appeal that transcends traditional age groups for toys. The fact that they are expected to be delivered in time for Christmas positions them perfectly to capitalize on the holiday shopping rush.
The context of this release is also significant. The AI industry has faced a rough week, with cyberattacks frequently linked to artificial intelligence involvement. In that backdrop, the Microduck serves as a lighthearted counterpoint. It demonstrates that AI and robotics can be fun and approachable, not just complex or intimidating. For many, the video of the CEO playing with the waddling robots offered a moment of relief. The ease with which the devices responded to commands and their endearing physical movements have made them hard to ignore, leading many to believe they are already on their way to becoming the hottest toy of the season.
As the holiday season approaches, the Microduck stands out as a product that leverages viral marketing and genuine product appeal. With 20,000 preorders already secured, the company has a strong base of eager buyers. The open-source nature of the device ensures that it will likely evolve beyond its initial capabilities. For now, the focus remains on delivering these units before Christmas, ensuring that thousands of homes receive a small, waddling companion that is as entertaining as it is technologically interesting.
