Microduck Preorders Surpass 20,000 After Viral Appearance

Questions regarding the potential mass appeal of small-scale robotics have intensified following a demonstration at a recent industry conference that resulted in a surge of consumer interest. A video showing a fleet of waddling, duck-like robots performing voice commands during a keynote presentation rapidly gained popularity online, leading to a substantial increase in reservations for the devices. By the following day, pre-order figures had surpassed 20,000 units, a milestone reported by Hugging Face CEO Clem Delangue.

The footage, captured during a keynote address at the GTC Berlin conference, depicts a group of robotic ducks engaging in a variety of programmed actions. The units are seen stomping their feet, emitting electronic sounds, and executing complex maneuvers such as sitting, rolling over, and performing a 'nap' sequence where they fall over. The demonstration has fueled speculation regarding the product's commercial viability, with some suggesting it could emerge as a leading automated toy for the upcoming Christmas season.

The creator of the Microduck is Pollen Robotics, a company that has been part of a complex series of recent acquisitions. Pollen Robotics was acquired by Hugging Face in 2025, and Hugging Face was subsequently acquired by Nvidia in September of this year. As a result, the manufacturing entity for these robots currently operates under the Nvidia umbrella.

The development of the Microduck's capabilities is linked to the technology stack provided by Nvidia. According to information provided by Pollen, the robots are trained using simulations to master specific tasks prior to being shipped to consumers. These initial capabilities include basic movements such as walking, sitting, and standing. Furthermore, the devices are described as open-source, allowing owners to train the robots with new tricks and share those modifications with a broader community.

Delangue has indicated that the units are expected to be delivered in time for the Christmas holiday. While the product is designed as a toy, promotional materials depicting the robots in use suggest a demographic that extends beyond children, featuring adults interacting with the devices. Delangue has also stated a belief that the Microduck could end up being the best-selling robot of the year.

The surge in orders follows a period of scrutiny regarding the safety of artificial intelligence systems. Recent reports have linked AI involvement to a series of cyberattacks, creating a tense atmosphere within the technology sector. The viral video of the dancing robots has provided a contrasting display of AI technology, shifting the focus toward consumer robotics and entertainment applications.