Jensen Huang’s Microducks Top 20,000 Preorders After GTC Debut

Preorders for the Microduck robot have surpassed 20,000 units. This surge happened just one day after Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang demonstrated the devices at GTC Berlin. The footage of Huang interacting with the flock went viral across social media platforms. The rapid sales growth suggests these robots may become the top toy of the holiday season.

The robots are small, open-source devices. They move by stomping their feet and make sounds similar to the droid from Star Wars. During the keynote, they performed various actions on voice command. They sat, stood, and fell over to simulate a nap. They even performed somersaults. The combination of movement and sound made them appear highly engaging to the audience.

Hugging Face chief executive Clem Delangue confirmed the preorder numbers via a tweet. He expressed belief that these units could become the best-selling robot of the year. Delangue noted that the market is not limited to children. Promotional materials show adults playing with the devices as well. This indicates a broader consumer base for the product.

The hardware is produced by Pollen Robotics. That company was acquired by Hugging Face in 2025. Hugging Face was subsequently bought by Nvidia in September. This chain of acquisitions means the Microducks are now part of the Nvidia portfolio. They represent the second robot product from Hugging Face. The first was the Reachy Mini, which also gained attention for its design.

The robots use Nvidia’s technology stack for training. Simulations were used to teach the devices basic tricks. These include walking, sitting, and standing. These core functions are included when the units ship to customers. Pollen Robotics states that owners can train their specific robots with new behaviors. Users can then share these custom tricks with the wider community.

Delivery of the Microducks is expected in time for Christmas. This timeline aligns with the peak gift-giving period. The viral nature of the keynote video has generated significant momentum. The devices offer a lighthearted contrast to recent news in the AI sector. This week saw multiple cyberattacks attributed to AI involvement. The Microducks provide a fun, accessible entry point into robotics for many consumers.

The success of the preorder campaign highlights strong consumer interest. The blend of cuteness and technical capability drives the appeal. The open-source nature of the device allows for community expansion. As deliveries approach, the Microducks may set a new benchmark for robot sales. Their performance in the coming weeks will determine if they truly dominate the holiday market.