Nvidia CEO Showcases Adorable Microduck Robots, Over 20,000 Preordered for Holiday Season

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Microduck robots, featured by Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, have sparked excitement with 20,000 units preordered. These open-source robots combine Nvidia’s AI tech and Hugging Face community sharing, poised to be a top holiday toy in 2026.

During Nvidia’s GTC Berlin conference, CEO Jensen Huang captivated the tech community by demonstrating a group of charming Microduck robots. These small devices exhibit lifelike behaviors—they stomp their feet, emit sounds reminiscent of R2-D2, obey voice commands to sit or perform somersaults, and even mimic falling asleep. The engaging demonstration quickly caught public attention, resulting in more than 20,000 preorders within a day, as noted by Hugging Face co-founder Clem Delangue on social media.

The Microducks are scheduled for delivery in time for Christmas 2026, positioning them as a likely candidate for the season’s most popular toy. Their appeal appears broad, with promotional content showing both children and adults interacting joyfully with the robots. This enthusiasm reflects the robots’ design for entertainment blended with educational value.

Manufactured by Pollen Robotics, which Hugging Face acquired in 2025, Microducks benefit from advanced open-source development. Following Nvidia’s September 2026 acquisition of Hugging Face, the Microduck robot line now falls under Nvidia's broader technology ecosystem. Notably, Microducks are the successor to Hugging Face's previous robot, Reachy Mini.

The robots’ capabilities stem from training within Nvidia’s technology stack. Using simulations, the Microducks learn fundamental actions—walking, sitting, standing—that they perform upon delivery. Enthusiasts can further customize and program their Microducks, with a community platform enabling users to share new tricks and behaviors.

This heartwarming demonstration offers a lighthearted perspective amid recent concerns about AI’s role in cyberattacks. It highlights the enjoyable and accessible side of robotics and artificial intelligence, suggesting that while AI poses risks, it also holds potential for fun and innovation. The viral video of Huang’s keynote, showcasing the Microducks’ playful antics, continues to inspire interest from diverse audiences, making these robots a standout in the 2026 tech holiday market.