Microduck Robot Sees 20,000 Preorders Globally
The open-source device from Hugging Face and Nvidia is slated for delivery by Christmas 2026.
Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Robotics
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Customers have placed over 20,000 preorders for the Microduck, an open-source robot model developed by Hugging Face. Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang showcased the device at the GTC Berlin conference, confirming the unit is currently an announced product.
Why it matters
The release of the Microduck signals a strategic shift in consumer-facing robotics, as Nvidia integrates its AI training stack with open-source hardware following its acquisition of Hugging Face.
Microducks represent the second robot model from Hugging Face and rely on the Nvidia technology stack for simulation-based training. While specific motor specs are not disclosed, the hardware is designed to allow owners to record and share new movement sequences within an open-source framework.
The players
Nvidia
A semiconductor and software firm providing the accelerated computing stack used for training AI and robotics models.
Hugging Face
An open-source AI platform and repository now under Nvidia that focuses on collaborative machine learning development.
Jensen Huang
The CEO of Nvidia who oversees the company's expansion into edge computing and robotic platforms.
The details
The Microduck robot uses simulation-based training to execute basic physical movements before reaching the end user. This workflow relies on Nvidia's technology stack to bridge the gap between virtual training environments and physical hardware performance. As an open-source device, it allows users to program new tricks and distribute that data to other owners via a community-based sharing system.
Timeline
2025: Hugging Face completed its acquisition of Pollen Robotics.
September 2026: Nvidia finalized its acquisition of Hugging Face.
October 2026: The Microduck was publicly demonstrated at the GTC Berlin conference.
Christmas 2026: The expected delivery window for preordered units.
The Tech Race
The Microduck is the latest effort by the merged Nvidia-Hugging Face entity to capture the open-source robotics market. It marks a departure from traditional closed-loop industrial robotics by emphasizing user-contributed behaviors and community-shared movement libraries.
Users who secured a preorder can expect the devices to arrive by Christmas 2026, though specific retail pricing has not been disclosed. Owners will be able to leverage the open-source platform to customize robotic behaviors and download new routines from other users.
The takeaway
The Microduck marks the first major consumer hardware rollout for the combined Nvidia-Hugging Face entity. Interested buyers should look for official shipping confirmation or tracking data expected by late December 2026.
What happens next
Consumers should monitor shipment updates for the scheduled fulfillment by Christmas 2026.
Further reading
Explore the latest developments in automation in our Robotics section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by TechCrunch.
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