Jensen Huang’s Microduck Demo Sparks 20,000 Preorders Overnight

Microduck robot preorders have surged past 20,000 units following a viral video of Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang interacting with the devices at the GTC Berlin conference earlier this week. The rapid sales growth positions the small, waddling robots as a potential top contender for the holiday season, with many expected to arrive in time for Christmas.

The surge in interest was triggered by footage of Huang playing with a flock of the units during his keynote address. In the clip, the robots perform a series of programmed actions, including stomping their feet, emitting high-pitched sounds reminiscent of R2-D2, and executing somersaults on voice commands. They also demonstrate a 'nap' mode, where they fall over and appear to sleep.

Clem Delangue of Hugging Face confirmed the preorder milestone via a tweet. He suggested that the Microducks could become the best-selling robot of the year, noting that the appeal extends beyond children. Promotional materials for the product feature adults engaging with the devices, indicating a broader consumer base than typical traditional toys.

The Microducks are open-source devices originally produced by Pollen Robotics. The company was acquired by Hugging Face in 2025, and subsequently, Nvidia purchased Hugging Face in September. This chain of acquisitions means the Microducks are now technically part of the Nvidia portfolio, adding a new consumer electronics dimension to the GPU giant’s offerings.

This is the second robotic product to emerge from the Hugging Face ecosystem, following the launch of the Reachy Mini. Both devices are designed to be approachable and interactive, leveraging the company's software expertise to create accessible hardware for developers and enthusiasts alike.

The technical backbone of the Microducks relies on Nvidia’s technology stack. The robots were trained using simulations where they learned basic motor skills, such as walking, sitting, and standing. These fundamental tricks are pre-installed on the units that ship to customers.

Pollen Robotics has outlined a plan to allow owners to customize their devices. Users can train their specific Microduck with new maneuvers and then share these custom movements with the wider community, fostering a collaborative environment around the hardware.

The viral success of the Microducks offers a lighter note for the AI industry during a week marked by significant security concerns. AI involvement has been cited in several cyberattacks, leading to widespread discussion about the sector's risks. The playful nature of the robot video provides a contrast to these heavier headlines, highlighting the potential for AI to be both a powerful tool and a source of entertainment.