Microduck Robots Surge Past 20,000 Preorders Following Viral Nvidia Keynote Demo

Preorders for the Microduck robot have exceeded 20,000 units following a viral demonstration at Nvidia’s GTC Berlin conference. The rapid uptake in consumer interest was confirmed by Clem Delangue, CEO of Hugging Face, who shared the sales figures on social media just one day after the keynote. The devices are now positioned as a leading contender for the most popular toy of the upcoming Christmas season.

The surge in demand was triggered by a video of Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang interacting with a group of the small, open-source robots during his presentation. The footage, which showed the units waddling, performing somersaults, and mimicking the sounds of the droid R2-D2, captured significant attention from the tech community. The robots were programmed to respond to voice commands, including instructions to sit, stand, or simulate a nap by falling over.

Delangue suggested that the Microducks could become the best-selling robot of the year, noting that the product’s appeal extends beyond its primary demographic of children. Promotional materials have highlighted adult users engaging with the devices, indicating a broader market potential for the hardware.

The Microducks are the product of Pollen Robotics, a firm that Hugging Face acquired in 2025. Following Nvidia’s acquisition of Hugging Face in September, the robot line effectively became part of the GPU giant’s portfolio. This is the second robotic device released by Hugging Face, following the previously launched Reachy Mini. The company leverages Nvidia’s technology stack to train the devices, using simulations to teach them basic movements such as walking and sitting before they are shipped to customers.

Pollen Robotics has designed the platform to be open source, allowing owners to train their specific units with new behaviors. These custom-trained tricks can then be shared with the wider community, fostering a collaborative ecosystem around the hardware. The open nature of the device is expected to drive continued engagement and value for the product after the initial holiday rush.

The positive reception of the Microducks offers a contrast to the recent narrative surrounding artificial intelligence. Earlier in the week, the industry faced scrutiny as AI involvement was linked to a series of cyberattacks. The lighthearted viral moment provides a counterpoint to the more serious security concerns dominating headlines. With deliveries scheduled to arrive in time for the holidays, the Microducks are well-placed to capitalize on peak consumer spending periods.

The combination of high-profile executive endorsement, viral marketing, and open-source utility has created a unique market position for the device. As the holiday season approaches, the 20,000 preorders serve as a strong indicator of consumer appetite for accessible, interactive AI hardware. The success of the Microducks may signal a shift in how robotic toys are perceived and adopted in the consumer electronics market.