Hugging Face Unveils Microduck: A $399 Open-Source Robot for AI Development
Hugging Face's robotics subsidiary, Pollen Robotics, unveiled Microduck on Thursday, a 25-centimeter bipedal robot duck now available for pre-order at $399, with shipping planned before Christmas 2026. This open-source robot is designed for developers and hobbyists to train locomotion and manipulation behaviors in simulation and deploy them on real hardware, expanding Hugging Face's presence in embodied AI. For broader context, explore our AI News.
Introducing Microduck: An Accessible Robotics Platform
Microduck represents Pollen Robotics' second robot offering since Hugging Face acquired the company in April 2025. Positioned as a tool to make "physical AI" more accessible, Microduck aims to democratize the development of world models and embodied AI, according to Hugging Face CEO Clement Delangue. The robot is specifically targeted at developers interested in experimenting with reinforcement learning and sim-to-real transfer.
Key Features and Capabilities
Weighing under 800 grams, Microduck is equipped with 15 motors, a camera, a depth/LiDAR sensor, and two IMUs. Its articulated beak allows it to pick up objects. The robot runs on a Rockchip RK3566 processor and is capable of various behaviors, including walking, sitting, crouching, self-recovery after falls, object pickup, following a laser dot, and even roller-skating. Control can also be managed via a gamepad. Each Microduck unit will feature a unique, lifelong "audio identity" composed of creature-like sounds.
Open-Source Software for Developers
A core aspect of Microduck is its entirely open-source software stack, which is available on GitHub. This includes components for robot control, simulation environments, reinforcement learning frameworks, and tools for sim-to-real deployment. This open approach is intended to foster community development and allow users to customize and expand the robot's capabilities. The availability of the full software stack supports the robot's purpose as a platform for AI that acts, enabling deep experimentation for developers.
Pre-Order and Availability Details
Microduck is currently available for pre-order at a price of $399. Pollen Robotics has stated that shipping for these units is planned to commence before Christmas 2026. The robot will be offered in four distinct colorways: Cream, Graphite, Lavender, and Sky. This pricing strategy aims to make advanced robotics more attainable for a broader audience of developers and enthusiasts.
Conclusion
The launch of Microduck by Hugging Face and Pollen Robotics signifies a notable step in making advanced robotics and embodied AI development more accessible. With its open-source software, diverse capabilities, and developer-focused design, Microduck provides a platform for innovation in physical AI. Developers and hobbyists can now pre-order this bipedal robot duck to explore reinforcement learning and sim-to-real transfer, with deliveries expected by late 2026.
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