Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang Sparked Microduck Robot Boom
Jensen Huang’s playful demonstration of Microduck robots at GTC Berlin drove preorders past 20,000 units as the devices gear up for a Christmas release.
By Carmen Wojcik ·
Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang turned the spotlight onto a new wave of consumer robotics during his keynote address at the GTC Berlin conference. The tech leader was seen interacting with a group of small, waddling robots known as Microducks, creating a moment that quickly captured the attention of the public. This casual display of the devices in a major industry setting has now fueled significant interest in the product line.
The viral nature of the event was immediate. Footage of Huang playing with the flock of robots spread rapidly across digital platforms. The Microducks were shown performing a variety of actions, including stomping their feet and emitting small, mechanical sounds reminiscent of the droid R2-D2 from the Star Wars franchise. The robots also demonstrated the ability to sit, fall over for a simulated nap, and perform somersaults when prompted by voice commands.
Market response to the demonstration was swift and substantial. By the day following the keynote, preorders for the Microducks had exceeded 20,000 units. Clem Delangue of Hugging Face confirmed this milestone in a public social media post. The rapid uptake suggests that the devices have already begun to establish themselves as potential top sellers for the upcoming holiday season.
Delivery timelines indicate that the robots are on track to arrive before Christmas. This timing positions them strongly as a festive gift option. Delangue has expressed the view that these units could become the best-selling robots of the year. He further noted that the appeal may extend beyond children, as promotional materials feature adults engaging with the devices in a playful manner.
The Microducks are open-source devices originally produced by Pollen Robotics. That company was acquired by Hugging Face in 2025, placing the robot line under a new corporate umbrella. Hugging Face itself was purchased by Nvidia in September, meaning the Microducks are now effectively part of the GPU giant’s portfolio. This marks the second robot product for Hugging Face, following the earlier release of the Reachy Mini.
The technology behind these robots relies on Nvidia’s proprietary stack. Simulations were used to train the devices on basic movements such as walking, sitting, and standing, which are included in the initial shipping configuration. Pollen Robotics stated that owners will have the ability to teach their specific units new tricks. These customizations can then be shared with the wider community of users.
The launch comes at a time when the artificial intelligence industry has faced scrutiny. Recent weeks saw a series of cyberattacks attributed to AI involvement, creating a tense atmosphere in the sector. The lighthearted presentation of the Microducks offered a contrast to these more serious developments. The combination of technological capability and adorable design has created a compelling narrative for consumers.
As preorders continue to accumulate, the Microducks are shaping up to be a significant player in the toy market. The integration of open-source hardware with advanced AI training has resulted in a product that appeals to both tech enthusiasts and general consumers. The rapid sales growth following the GTC Berlin event underscores the power of a well-timed demonstration in driving product adoption.
