Hugging Face Reveals A Robot Duck

Credit: Hugging Face

According to Bloomberg, Hugging Face has announced the Microduck, a learning robot—a bipedal duck-shaped figurine approximately 25 centimeters tall. The device, developed in partnership with Pollen Robotics, a French startup acquired by Hugging Face in April 2025, will be the company’s first mass-market consumer product.

Microduck was Pollen’s second consumer robot, following the Reachy Mini. A tabletop machine with a square head, it required assembly, after which it could be programmed to engage in conversations or move its antennas. Both devices are aimed at developers and robotics enthusiasts. The bipedal, one-eyed Microduck is also programmable, but, unlike its predecessor, it can waddle. In its basic configuration, it can stand, sit, walk, kick a small soccer ball, and pick up objects with its plastic beak. After falling, the robot can stand up on its own, and with the purchase of an additional accessory kit, it can even skate.

These skills are just a starting point from which developers can build their own movements and apps. Microduck can be trained through trial and error using its virtual model in a physical simulator, after which the acquired skills are transferred to the real robot. After teaching Microduck a new movement, the developer can export the skill as an ONNX file and share it with other device owners. Microduck is equipped with a camera, lidar, and two inertial sensors—they are accessible when creating apps. The removable battery lasts for approximately an hour.

The Microduck costs $399 excluding taxes and shipping. Pre-orders are open, with delivery promised by the end of 2026. The device is available in four colors: cream, graphite, lavender, and blue. Hugging Face estimates sales of over 20,000 units; the company considers reaching 50,000 sales a truly significant success.