Nvidia CEO Showcases Microduck Robots, Sparking Massive Preorder Surge

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang presented a demonstration of Microduck robots during his keynote at the GTC Berlin conference this week, an appearance that has triggered a rapid increase in consumer interest. In the presentation, the small robotic devices executed commands such as walking, sitting, and performing flips. Huang also directed the units to enter a dormant state described as a nap.

The reception to the demonstration was immediate. According to Hugging Face CEO Clem Delangue, preorders for the Microducks surpassed 20,000 units by the day following the event. Delangue has suggested that the device could become the best-selling robot of the year, a prediction that extends beyond the children's toy market, as promotional materials depict adults engaging with the units as well.

The devices are manufactured by Pollen Robotics, an entity acquired by Hugging Face in 2025. Following Hugging Face's acquisition by Nvidia in September, Pollen Robotics and its products fall under the Nvidia corporate umbrella. This marks the second robotic device released by Hugging Face, following the Reachy Mini.

The production and operation of the Microducks are supported by Nvidia's technology stack. The units are programmed with a specific set of initial capabilities, including basic movement commands like walking, sitting, and standing. Pollen Robotics has designated the Microducks as open-source hardware, permitting users to develop new behaviors and distribute them to a broader community of owners.

The timing of the product's availability aligns with the upcoming holiday shopping period. Units are expected to be delivered in time for Christmas, positioning the Microducks to compete for consumer attention during the festive season. The rapid accumulation of 20,000 preorders within a short timeframe indicates significant demand for robotic companionship in the consumer market.

The devices are designed to respond to voice commands and perform physical actions such as tumbling. The demonstration included the robots falling over to simulate sleeping, followed by executing somersaults. This combination of mobility and responsiveness has generated attention regarding the product's entertainment value.

The commercial success of the Microducks follows a period of scrutiny for the artificial intelligence sector, where recent reports have linked AI involvement to various cyberattacks. The engagement with the robot demonstration suggests that consumer interest in tangible AI applications remains active despite concerns regarding security vulnerabilities in the industry.