Microduck Robots Receive 20,000 Preorders
The new open-source robot model attracts significant consumer interest following a demonstration at GTC Berlin.
Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Robotics
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Customers have placed 20,000 preorders for Microduck robots, the second robot model released by Hugging Face. The devices rely on the Nvidia technology stack for training and are positioned to be a top-selling robot of the year.
Why it matters
The release highlights the rapid integration of robotic hardware and advanced simulation technology following the recent corporate acquisitions of Pollen Robotics and Hugging Face by their respective parent companies.
Microducks are open-source robots trained in simulations using the Nvidia technology stack to execute basic movements. Owners can train these units to perform custom tricks and share their specific programming with the broader community.
The players
Nvidia
This technology company is a leader in artificial intelligence computing and graphics processing units.
Hugging Face
This company provides an open-source platform for artificial intelligence and machine learning developers.
Jensen Huang
He serves as the chief executive officer of Nvidia and is a prominent figure in the global semiconductor industry.
Pollen Robotics
This organization specializes in the development of open-source robotic platforms.
The details
The Microduck robot is the latest release from Hugging Face, which was acquired by Nvidia in September 2026. Prior to this, Hugging Face had expanded its hardware capabilities by acquiring Pollen Robotics in 2025.
Timeline
Hugging Face acquired Pollen Robotics in 2025.
Nvidia acquired Hugging Face in September 2026.
Jensen Huang demonstrated the robots at GTC Berlin in October 2026.
Deliveries for the preordered robots are expected by Christmas 2026.
The Tech Race
The Microduck robots extend the reach of the Nvidia technology stack into the consumer robotics market, demonstrating how hardware can leverage simulation training platforms. This launch reflects a broader trend of integrating massive software compute power directly into accessible, open-source physical hardware.
Users will be able to customize their robots with new movements and access a community-driven repository to download additional tricks. Because the devices are open-source, owners can expect a high level of flexibility in how the hardware is programmed and updated after arrival.
The takeaway
The success of the Microduck preorder phase suggests a growing consumer appetite for accessible, programmable robots built on professional-grade simulation software. Enthusiasts looking to join the ecosystem should monitor community forums for early user training guides.
What happens next
Customers who have placed preorders can expect to receive their Microduck units by Christmas 2026.
Further reading
For more developments on the intersection of hardware and artificial intelligence, visit Robotics.
Source note: This article includes information reported by TechCrunch.
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