Nvidia boss’s duck demo sparks holiday rush

Preorders for the Microduck robot have already jumped past 20,000 units, a surge that began after a widely shared video showed Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang interacting with the small machines. The clip captured him at the GTC Berlin conference earlier this week, where he was seen playing with a group of the waddling devices. The robots were shown stomping their feet, making sounds similar to the R2-D2 character, and performing voice-activated tricks such as sitting, falling down for a nap, and doing somersaults. Their charming appearance quickly turned them into an internet sensation.

The sudden spike in interest was confirmed by Clem Delangue of Hugging Face, who noted the preorder milestone in a social media post. With delivery dates set for the Christmas season, these robots are positioning themselves as a top contender for the most popular holiday toy this year. Delangue suggested that the Microducks could become the best-selling robot of the year, noting that the product is appealing to adults as well as children. Promotional materials feature grown-ups playing with the devices, suggesting they are not just a toy for the young.

The Microducks are the product of Pollen Robotics, a company that Hugging Face acquired in 2025. Because Nvidia purchased Hugging Face in September, the robotic ducks are now part of the GPU giant’s portfolio. This is Hugging Face’s second foray into robotics, following the release of the Reachy Mini, which also garnered attention for its design. The ownership structure places the Microducks firmly within the Nvidia ecosystem, linking the consumer product directly to one of the world’s largest technology firms.

Under the hood, the robots utilize Nvidia’s technology stack for their training. Simulations of the Microducks were taught basic movements like walking, sitting, and standing, which are included in the standard shipping package. Pollen Robotics has stated that owners have the ability to teach their specific units new tricks. The company encourages users to share these custom routines with the broader community, creating a shared library of actions for the devices.

The timing of the viral moment is notable. The AI industry has faced criticism recently, with cyberattacks frequently blamed on artificial intelligence involvement. Against that backdrop of concern, the light-hearted video of the ducks provided a moment of levity. Many observers found it difficult to watch the clip without considering a purchase, highlighting how the product’s cuteness cut through the heavier news cycle.

For consumers in California and elsewhere, the Microducks represent a tangible, physical entry point into AI hardware. The combination of open-source hardware and a major corporate backing gives the product a unique market position. As the holiday season approaches, the focus will be on whether the initial hype translates into sustained demand. The robots are already generating buzz as a potential standout in a crowded toy market.

The narrative around the Microducks blends technical innovation with mass appeal. By leveraging Nvidia’s simulation tools and Hugging Face’s community, the company has created a product that feels both high-tech and accessible. The viral nature of the launch, driven by a CEO’s personal interaction with the devices, has given the product a level of visibility that is rare for new hardware. Whether it remains a trend or becomes a staple of the holiday season remains to be seen, but the early numbers suggest strong interest.