20,000 Microducks sold after viral video

Twenty thousand units. That is the number of preorders for a small, waddling robot that accumulated in just one day. The surge happened after a video of the device went viral this week. It features the CEO of a major chipmaker playing with a group of them. The moment captured the attention of millions of people. It stands out as a bright spot in a busy news cycle.

The devices are called Microducks. They were the center of attention during a keynote speech at the GTC Berlin conference. Jensen Huang, the chief executive of Nvidia, was seen interacting with the robots. They performed several tricks on command. They sat down, stood up, and walked around. Some even performed a somersault. They made small beeping sounds that reminded viewers of a famous sci-fi droid. At one point, they appeared to fall asleep on the floor.

Clem Delangue, the leader of Hugging Face, confirmed the sales numbers in a public post. He noted that the preorders crossed the 20,000 mark very quickly. This speed suggests a high level of consumer interest. The robots are expected to arrive in homes before the winter holidays. This timing positions them as a potential top seller for the season. Delangue believes they could become the best-selling robot of the year. He also suggested that they might appeal to adults as much as children. Promotional materials have shown grown-ups using the devices for fun.

The Microducks are open source devices. They are made by Pollen Robotics. This company was acquired by Hugging Face in 2025. Hugging Face was then bought by Nvidia in September. This means the Microducks are now part of the Nvidia family. It is the second robot product from this line. The first was the Reachy Mini, which also gained popularity for its design.

The technology behind the robots uses Nvidia’s software tools. The devices were trained in simulated environments. They learned basic movements like walking and sitting before leaving the factory. Owners can teach their robots new skills. They can then share these new tricks with other users. This community aspect adds to the appeal of the product. Users are not just buying a toy. They are buying a platform for interaction.

The timing of this viral moment is notable. The AI industry has faced criticism recently. Several cyberattacks were linked to artificial intelligence systems. This created a tense atmosphere in the tech world. The video of the cute robots offers a different perspective. It shows the playful side of the technology. It serves as a reminder that AI can be enjoyable. Many viewers found it hard to watch the video without wanting to order one themselves.

The stakes for these companies are high. A successful holiday season could cement their place in the consumer market. It shows that complex technology can be packaged in a simple, appealing form. The robots are not just gadgets. They are a cultural moment. They have shifted the conversation from fear to fascination. The rapid sales indicate a strong demand for interactive AI hardware. This trend may continue into next year.

For California readers, this is a local story with global reach. Nvidia is a major employer in the region. The success of this product could impact the local tech job market. It also highlights the state’s role in shaping consumer technology. The Microducks represent a new wave of accessible AI. They make advanced robotics available to the average person. This accessibility could drive further innovation in the industry. The holiday season will reveal just how big this phenomenon becomes.