Tiny robots steal the spotlight at Nvidia's Berlin event

The most talked-about item from this week's tech news is not a new chip or a software update, but a small, waddling robot. A video showing Nvidia chief executive Jensen Huang interacting with a flock of these devices during his keynote at GTC Berlin has captured the internet's attention. The clip, which features the robots stomping their feet and making sounds reminiscent of a classic sci-fi droid, has driven significant interest in the product. By the day following the conference, preorders for the units had crossed the 20,000 mark, according to a tweet from Hugging Face executive Clem Delangue.

The timeline of this sudden popularity is short but intense. The Microducks were introduced as part of the broader GTC Berlin presentation earlier this week. The viral moment occurred when Huang was seen playing with the group of robots, which performed various actions on voice command. These tricks included sitting, falling down for a simulated nap, and performing summersaults. The combination of the high-profile setting and the endearing nature of the robots led to a rapid spike in consumer interest, with sales figures climbing quickly after the video circulated online.

These devices are open source robots produced by Pollen Robotics. The company was acquired by Hugging Face in 2025, and since Nvidia purchased Hugging Face in September, the Microducks are now technically part of the Nvidia family. This is the second robot product from Hugging Face, following the release of the Reachy Mini. The lineage of ownership connects the small, cute robots to the major GPU manufacturer, adding a layer of corporate intrigue to their appeal.

The technology behind the Microducks relies on Nvidia's own software stack. The robots were trained through simulations where they learned basic movements such as walking, sitting, and standing. These pre-loaded tricks are what the units ship with, allowing owners to use them immediately. However, the design is intended to be interactive. Pollen Robotics states that users can teach their specific robots new maneuvers and then share those custom skills with the wider community of owners.

With delivery expected in time for the holiday season, the Microducks are poised to become a major gift item. Delangue has suggested that these units could become the best-selling robot of the year. Interestingly, he noted that they may not even be primarily for children. Promotional materials show adults engaging with the devices, suggesting a broad demographic appeal. The potential for them to top holiday sales lists is high, given the current momentum.

The release of the Microducks comes at a time when the artificial intelligence industry is under scrutiny. Earlier in the week, the sector faced criticism as AI was linked to a series of cyberattacks. This created a somewhat tense atmosphere for tech news consumers. The viral video of the playful robots serves as a contrast to that narrative, offering a lighter perspective on the technology. It demonstrates that AI can be designed for entertainment and enjoyment, not just for complex problem-solving or security challenges.

For viewers in the Southwest and beyond, the story is a reminder of the diverse applications of AI. While the industry deals with serious issues like cybersecurity, it also produces products that bring joy and simplicity to everyday life. The Microducks represent a consumer-friendly face of the technology, one that is accessible and fun. As the holiday season approaches, many households may find themselves with a small, walking duck as part of their gift exchange.

The next phase for the Microducks will involve delivering the pre-ordered units to customers. The success of this launch will likely influence future product strategies for both Hugging Face and Nvidia. The community aspect, where owners can share new tricks, is expected to keep engagement high after the initial purchase. If the preorders hold, the Microducks will have secured their place as one of the defining tech products of the year, driven by a simple moment of playfulness during a major corporate keynote.