Nvidia Chief Unveils Microduck Robots, Triggering 20,000 Holiday Preorders

Shoppers looking for a standout gift this holiday season may have found their answer: a small, waddling robot that performs tricks on command. Following a viral demonstration of the device, preorders for these Microducks have surged past 20,000 units, positioning them as a leading contender for the most popular toy of the year.

The surge in interest began earlier this week during a keynote address at the GTC Berlin conference. During the event, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang showcased the robots, which are capable of performing a range of actions upon voice command. The devices can walk, sit, and execute somersaults, and they are even programmed to fall over to simulate taking a nap. The demonstration of the units, which emit small electronic sounds, quickly spread across the internet.

By the following day, Hugging Face CEO Clem Delangue confirmed via a public post that preorders had surpassed the 20,000 mark. While the promotional materials for the Microducks feature adults interacting with the devices, Delangue suggested that they could become the best-selling robot of the year, potentially reaching beyond a children's toy market. The units are currently slated for delivery in time for the Christmas holiday.

The technology behind the Microducks is the result of a complex corporate lineage involving major players in the artificial intelligence sector. The devices are manufactured by Pollen Robotics, an open-source hardware firm acquired by Hugging Face in 2025. This acquisition subsequently became part of a larger transaction when Nvidia purchased Hugging Face in September. As a result, Pollen Robotics now operates as part of the Nvidia umbrella.

This collaboration marks the second robotic device produced by Hugging Face, following the release of the Reachy Mini. The development of the Microducks specifically relied on Nvidia’s technology stack to function. Through simulations within that stack, the units were trained on basic operational commands, including how to walk, sit, and stand.

Beyond their pre-installed capabilities, the Microducks offer owners the ability to expand their functionality. The manufacturer, Pollen Robotics, allows users to train the robots to perform new tricks. Once a new command has been established, owners can share that training data with the wider community, effectively allowing the robots to learn from one another.

The rollout of these devices comes during a turbulent week for the artificial intelligence industry at large, where concerns regarding cyberattacks linked to AI systems have dominated headlines. However, the successful launch of the Microducks demonstrates a different side of the technology sector, offering a playful alternative to the current wave of security concerns.

With preorders already exceeding 20,000 units and delivery windows set for December, the company is preparing to fulfill a significant volume of requests. The high demand for the device indicates a strong consumer appetite for physical robotics, signaling a busy shipping season for Pollen Robotics as the holidays approach.