News in short

• Microduck robots crossed 20,000 pre-orders after a viral demonstration by Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang.
• The robots appeared during Nvidia’s GTC Berlin keynote and performed tricks on voice command.
• Pollen Robotics, acquired by Hugging Face in 2025, makes the open-source robots.
• Microducks use Nvidia’s technology stack to learn basic movements through simulation.
• Deliveries are expected before Christmas, according to the supplied report.

A tiny flock of waddling robots has become an unlikely hit ahead of Christmas. Microducks went viral after Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang played with them during his keynote at the company’s GTC Berlin conference. The demonstration showed the small robots walking, sitting, falling over for a nap and performing somersaults on voice command.

The playful display quickly attracted attention online. According to Hugging Face CEO Clem Delangue, Microduck pre-orders crossed 20,000 units by the following day. The surge raises the possibility that these open-source robots could become a popular holiday purchase, appealing to adults as well as children.

What are Microduck robots?

Microducks are small, open-source robots developed by Pollen Robotics. Hugging Face acquired the robotics company in 2025. The robots combine compact hardware with programmable behaviour, allowing owners to experiment with movements and interactions.

Their appeal comes partly from their personality. During the demonstration, the robots waddled around, made electronic sounds and responded to voice commands. Their ability to perform simple tricks helped turn a technical showcase into a viral moment.

Unlike conventional toys that offer a fixed set of actions, Microducks are designed around an open-source approach. Owners can reportedly train them to perform new tricks and share those behaviours with the wider community.

This could give the robots a longer life beyond their initial novelty. Instead of relying only on pre-programmed entertainment, users can explore ways to customise their behaviour. However, the extent of customisation will depend on the tools and training options available to owners.

How Nvidia technology helps Microducks learn

Microducks use Nvidia’s technology stack to develop their basic movements. According to the supplied report, simulations teach the robots actions such as walking, sitting and standing before those behaviours reach the physical devices.

Simulation can help developers test movements in a virtual environment before deploying them on real hardware. This approach can make robot training more practical by allowing developers to experiment with behaviours digitally.

Pollen Robotics says owners can also train their Microducks to perform additional tricks. They can then share their creations with other users. This community-driven model could help expand the range of behaviours available over time.

The project also highlights how AI and robotics research can reach consumers through playful products. Microducks do not need to perform complex industrial tasks to attract attention. Their appeal lies in making robotics accessible through simple, entertaining interactions.

Why Microducks could become a Christmas hit

The timing could work in the robots’ favour. Delangue said pre-orders had exceeded 20,000 units after Huang’s demonstration went viral. The robots are expected to arrive in time for Christmas, according to the report.

Their popularity also extends beyond children. Promotional videos show adults interacting with the robots, suggesting that collectors, technology enthusiasts and robotics hobbyists could form part of the audience.

However, viral attention does not automatically guarantee lasting demand. Buyers will want to know the final price, delivery timelines, ease of setup and the extent of customisation available. Those details will help determine whether Microducks become more than a short-lived internet sensation.

For now, the robots offer a lighter side of the AI conversation. As concerns about AI security and its wider impact continue, Microducks show how the same broader technology ecosystem can also create playful experiences.

Whether they become the year’s best-selling robot remains to be seen. But their rapid rise in pre-orders suggests that small, interactive robots may find a place on more Christmas wish lists this year.