Nvidia’s Microduck Robots Top 20,000 Preorders After Viral CEO Demo

For consumers looking at the holiday market this year, a new contender has emerged that blends cuteness with advanced technology. The Microduck robots, which are small, waddling devices, have seen a surge in interest that has pushed preorders past the 20,000-unit mark. This rapid uptake suggests the devices may become one of the most popular toys for the upcoming Christmas season, appealing to both children and adults who are drawn to their playful movements and simple interactions.

The spike in popularity was triggered by a video that circulated widely earlier this week. During the keynote address at Nvidia’s GTC Berlin conference, CEO Jensen Huang was seen interacting with a group of these robots. In the footage, the Microducks performed various actions, including stomping their feet, emitting sounds reminiscent of the character R2-D2, and executing somersaults upon receiving voice commands. At one point, they even sat down and appeared to fall over for a simulated nap. The charming nature of the demonstration helped the clip go viral, capturing the attention of the tech community and general audiences alike.

To understand how these devices arrived in the public eye, it is necessary to look at the recent corporate shifts in the artificial intelligence sector. The Microducks are an open-source product originally developed by Pollen Robotics. That company was acquired by Hugging Face in 2025. Subsequently, Nvidia purchased Hugging Face in September of this year, effectively making the Microduck an Nvidia-owned product. This is not the first robotic creation from this lineage, as Hugging Face previously released the Reachy Mini, another device noted for its appealing design.

Under the hood, the Microducks utilize Nvidia’s proprietary technology stack to function. During the development phase, simulations of the robots were used to teach them fundamental behaviors, such as walking, sitting, and standing. These basic tricks are included in the device when it ships to customers. The system is designed to be flexible; Pollen Robotics notes that owners have the ability to train their specific robots to perform new maneuvers. Furthermore, users can share these custom-trained behaviors with the broader community, fostering a collaborative environment around the device’s capabilities.

As for what happens next, the focus shifts to the holiday delivery timeline. The robots are expected to arrive in time for Christmas, placing them in a prime position to compete with traditional gifts. Clem Delangue of Hugging Face commented on the potential market impact, suggesting that the Microduck could become the best-selling robot of the year. He also indicated that the demographic may extend well beyond children, as promotional materials have featured adults engaging with the robots. With the preorders already in the tens of thousands, the device is poised to make a significant impression in the coming weeks.

This lighthearted product launch provides a contrast to the recent narrative surrounding artificial intelligence. Earlier this week, the industry faced scrutiny as AI involvement was linked to a series of cyberattacks. While those events highlighted the potential risks associated with the technology, the Microduck demonstration offered a different perspective. It showcased the fun and accessible side of AI, reminding the public that these tools can also be sources of enjoyment. The viral nature of the video underscores how the industry can balance technical complexity with approachable, consumer-friendly applications.