Tiny Robot Ducks: Could They Be This Year's Must-Have Gift?
A viral video of robotic ducks performing tricks has driven preorders past 20,000 units, raising questions about their role as a holiday gift.
By Priya Sharma ·
If you are looking for a holiday gift that is different from the usual list, a new robotic toy is quickly becoming a contender. Microduck robots, small devices that can walk and perform tricks, are gaining significant attention online. Following a recent demonstration, preorders for these units have already topped 20,000, suggesting they could be a popular item for the upcoming Christmas season.
The surge in interest stems from a video showing Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang interacting with the robots during the company's GTC Berlin conference earlier this week. In the footage, the devices are seen stomping their feet, sitting, and rolling over. They also emit small electronic sounds while responding to voice commands. The demonstration was shared widely, leading to a rapid increase in orders.
While the robots are designed to be engaging for children, there is evidence of interest from other demographics as well. Promotional materials for the devices show adults playing with them, indicating a broader appeal. Clem Delangue, a figure associated with Hugging Face, has suggested on social media that these could become the best-selling robot of the year.
The Microducks are produced by Pollen Robotics, a company that was acquired by Hugging Face in 2025. The corporate structure has changed since then; Hugging Face was acquired by Nvidia in September 2026. Consequently, the company producing these robots is now part of Nvidia. This marks the second robot released under this corporate umbrella, following a previous device called the Reachy Mini.
The technology behind the Microducks involves Nvidia's technology stack. According to reports, simulations were used to teach the robots basic functions such as walking, sitting, and standing. These capabilities are included with the devices when they are shipped.
Pollen Robotics indicates that the robots are open-source devices. Owners have the ability to train the robots to perform new tricks. Once learned, these new actions can be shared with a community of other users.
Regarding availability, the units are expected to be delivered in time for the Christmas holiday. While the source material does not confirm the specific price point or exact shipping dates for all units, the timeline suggests they are positioned for the holiday shopping period. The combination of the viral video and the preorder numbers has positioned the Microducks as a potential standout product for the season.
Source: TechCrunch
