Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang Sparked a 20,000-Unit Rush for Microduck Robots

20,000 preorders. That is the volume of Microduck robots secured just one day after Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang was filmed interacting with the devices during his keynote address at GTC Berlin earlier this week. The rapid sales surge was confirmed by Clem Delangue, the head of Hugging Face, who took to social media to announce that demand for the waddling machines had already exceeded that threshold. The video, which has since gone viral, captures Huang watching the small robots stomp their feet, emit high-pitched mechanical sounds reminiscent of R2-D2, and perform voice-activated somersaults. In one memorable moment, the units were seen sitting still and falling over to simulate a nap, a behavior that clearly resonated with viewers across the internet.

The timing of this viral moment is critical for the product’s commercial trajectory. Manufacturers expect the devices to be delivered to customers in time for the Christmas holiday season. Delangue has suggested that the Microducks could emerge as the best-selling robot of the year, a prediction that extends beyond the traditional children’s market. Promotional materials released alongside the news highlight adults engaging with the toys, indicating that the target demographic is broader than just young kids. This positions the device not merely as a novelty item, but as a potential mainstream consumer electronics product for the year-end shopping rush.

The corporate lineage of the Microducks is as complex as its recent popularity. The devices are open-source creations from Pollen Robotics, a company that was acquired by Hugging Face in 2025. Following Nvidia’s acquisition of Hugging Face in September, the Microducks effectively became part of the GPU giant’s portfolio. This is not Hugging Face’s first foray into robotics; the company previously released the Reachy Mini, another small and appealing robotic device. The acquisition has allowed Nvidia to integrate these consumer-facing hardware products into its broader ecosystem, leveraging its brand recognition to drive immediate sales.

Under the hood, the Microducks rely heavily on Nvidia’s proprietary technology stack for their operation. The robots were trained through simulations where they learned basic motor skills such as walking, sitting, and standing before being shipped to consumers. These pre-programmed tricks form the baseline experience for owners. However, the open-source nature of the device allows for significant customization. Pollen Robotics states that users can train their specific units to perform new maneuvers and subsequently share these custom movements with the wider community, creating a shared library of robotic behaviors.

The release of the Microducks comes at a time when the artificial intelligence industry is grappling with serious challenges. This week has been marked by a series of cyberattacks that have been attributed to AI involvement, casting a shadow over the sector. The industry has taken a metaphorical black eye, with many pointing to AI as a potential source of vulnerability in global security. In this context, the lighthearted nature of the Microduck video serves as a stark contrast to the heavier news cycle. It demonstrates that while AI technologies can pose significant risks, they also offer tangible and entertaining applications for everyday users.

The visual appeal of the robots is a major driver of their success. The footage of the ducks moving in unison, or individually responding to commands, is designed to be engaging and charming. For many observers, the clip serves as a palate cleanser after a week of intense news regarding AI-driven cyber threats. The ease with which the robots execute their movements, from simple stomping to complex flips, suggests a high level of precision in their design. As the holiday season approaches, the combination of viral marketing, corporate backing from Nvidia, and genuine user enjoyment may ensure that the Microducks remain a focal point in the consumer tech landscape.