Microduck preorders top 20k
Hugging Face's robotic duck hit 20,000 preorders within a day of a viral demo at GTC Berlin.
By Luana Sato ·
Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang’s playful interaction with a group of small robots during his GTC Berlin keynote generated immediate commercial traction. The video showing the devices waddling, falling over, and performing somersaults spread rapidly across social platforms. Within 24 hours, preorders for the Microduck robots exceeded 20,000 units.
Clem Delangue of Hugging Face confirmed the sales figure in a tweet. He noted that the devices are scheduled for delivery before Christmas. Delangue believes the Microduck could become the year's best-selling robot. He added that the product is not limited to children, as promotional content features adults using the devices as well.
The Microduck is an open source device manufactured by Pollen Robotics. Hugging Face acquired Pollen in 2025. Nvidia subsequently purchased Hugging Face in September 2026. This makes the Microduck part of Nvidia's hardware portfolio. The company previously released the Reachy Mini robot, which shares a similar design philosophy.
The robots use Nvidia's technology stack for initial training. Simulated versions of the Microduck learned basic behaviors such as walking, sitting, and standing. These pre-programmed tricks are included in the shipped firmware. Pollen Robotics states that owners can train their units on new commands. Users can then share these custom routines with the wider community.
The sudden spike in orders occurred against a backdrop of industry concerns. The AI sector faced criticism earlier this week for its role in several high-profile cyberattacks. The popularity of the Microduck offers a lighter counterpoint to that narrative. The devices combine simple robotics with accessible software tools. They are now positioned as a major holiday item.
The 20,000 preorder mark represents a quick validation of the product concept. Hugging Face will handle production and distribution for the initial batch. The open source nature of the device allows for ongoing community development. Nvidia's acquisition of Hugging Face places these consumer-focused robots directly under its corporate umbrella. The Christmas delivery window sets a tight timeline for manufacturing and shipping.
