Robot duck preorders hit 20,000 after viral keynote clip

20,000 preorders. That is the number Hugging Face CEO Clem Delangue reported in a tweet following a viral video from the GTC Berlin conference.

The clip showed Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang interacting with a group of Microducks during his keynote. The small robots stomped their feet, made R2-D2 style noises, and performed summersaults on voice command. The video circulated widely over the weekend.

Delangue stated the company expects to deliver the units in time for the Christmas holiday. He believes the Microduck could become the best-selling robot of the year. Promotional materials for the device feature adults playing with the units, suggesting a market beyond children.

The Microduck is an open source device from Pollen Robotics. Hugging Face acquired Pollen Robotics in 2025. Nvidia purchased Hugging Face in September. This makes the Microduck an Nvidia product.

The robots use Nvidia technology for training. Simulations teach the devices basic commands such as walking, sitting, and standing. Owners can train new tricks and share them with other users. This is Hugging Face's second robot, following the Reachy Mini.

The sales surge occurred while the AI industry faced scrutiny over its role in a series of cyberattacks. The Microduck offers a lighter entry point for consumers interested in the technology.