Toy Market: Microduck Robot Orders Surge Past 20,000

Recent headlines in the technology sector have focused on serious cybersecurity incidents linked to artificial intelligence, but a softer development in robotics is now drawing attention. A demonstration of small, duck-like robots during a recent technology conference in Berlin has resulted in a significant surge in consumer interest.

During a keynote address at the GTC Berlin event earlier this week, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang interacted with a group of Microduck units. The small devices performed various actions, including walking, sitting, and executing somersaults upon receiving voice instructions. Following the appearance of this demonstration online, Clem Delangue of Hugging Face reported that preorders for the robots surpassed 20,000 units by the following day.

The rapid accumulation of orders suggests that these devices could become a highly sought-after item for the upcoming holiday season. Deliveries are scheduled to arrive in time for Christmas. Delangue indicated that the Microducks might be the best-selling robot of the year, noting that interest is not limited to children, as promotional materials depict adults engaging with the toys as well.

The Microduck is an open-source device developed by Pollen Robotics. The company was acquired by Hugging Face in 2025, and following Nvidia's purchase of Hugging Face in September, the robots are now part of the Nvidia corporate structure. This collaboration marks the second robot project for Hugging Face, following the release of the Reachy Mini.

Technically, the Microducks were developed using Nvidia's technology stack. Training simulations were utilized to teach the units basic functions, such as walking, standing, and sitting. Pollen has stated that owners can train their robots to perform new tricks and share those capabilities with the wider community.

This development highlights how AI and robotics technology can be applied to consumer entertainment. While recent events have associated AI with damaging cyberattacks, the Microduck units represent a different application of the technology, potentially offering a positive alternative for users looking to engage with AI systems.