Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang and the Microduck Flock That Captivated GTC Berlin

The atmosphere at Nvidia’s GTC Berlin conference was not what many attendees expected. Instead of a dry lecture on processing power, the stage was filled with a flock of small, white robots. These Microducks, created by Pollen Robotics, waddled across the floor, stomped their tiny feet, and emitted sounds reminiscent of the droid R2-D2 from Star Wars. The spectacle was so charming that it immediately shifted the tone of the event. By the following day, the novelty had turned into a commercial frenzy. Preorders for the devices surpassed 20,000 units, according to Clem Delangue, the head of Hugging Face.

The sudden surge in interest was triggered by a video of Jensen Huang, the chief executive of Nvidia, interacting with the robots during his keynote address. In the footage, Huang is seen commanding the ducks to perform various actions. They sit, they fall over as if taking a nap, and they even perform somersaults when prompted by voice commands. The clip quickly spread across social media, capturing the imaginations of both tech enthusiasts and casual observers. The viral nature of the demonstration suggests that the Microducks are well on their way to becoming one of the most sought-after gifts for the upcoming holiday season.

Delangue has expressed confidence that these devices could become the best-selling robots of the year. He noted that the appeal is not limited to children, as promotional materials frequently feature adults enjoying the interactive toys. The timing is particularly favorable, as the units are expected to be delivered in time for Christmas. This positioning places them in direct competition with other major holiday gifts, leveraging their unique combination of cuteness and technological capability.

The business structure behind the Microducks is complex due to recent industry consolidation. Pollen Robotics, the original creator, was acquired by Hugging Face in 2025. Subsequently, Nvidia purchased Hugging Face in September of this year. This chain of acquisitions means that the small robotics company is now effectively part of the GPU giant. The Microducks represent the second robotic product from Hugging Face, following the previously released Reachy Mini, which also gained a reputation for being endearing.

From a technical standpoint, the Microducks are open-source devices. This openness is a key part of their identity, allowing for community engagement and customization. The robots were trained using Nvidia’s own technology stack. During this process, simulations of the ducks were taught basic tricks, such as walking, sitting, and standing. These pre-loaded behaviors are what users see when the devices first arrive. However, the platform is designed to be extensible, enabling owners to teach their robots new maneuvers.

Pollen Robotics emphasizes that the learning process is not a one-way street. Owners can train their specific units with unique tricks and then share these new behaviors with the broader community. This collaborative aspect adds a layer of social interaction to the product, distinguishing it from standard toys. The open-source nature also appeals to hobbyists and developers who may want to tinker with the underlying code. It transforms the toy from a static object into a dynamic platform for creativity.

The release of the Microducks comes at a particularly sensitive time for the artificial intelligence industry. Earlier this week, the sector faced significant criticism as AI involvement was blamed for a series of cyberattacks. These incidents created a narrative of fear and concern regarding the rapid deployment of AI technologies. In this context, the Microducks serve as a welcome change of pace. They offer a glimpse of AI that is playful and harmless, providing a contrast to the more serious discussions happening in the tech world.

The viral video has been described by some as a palate cleanser for the industry. While the potential for AI to cause disruption or damage remains a serious topic, the Microducks highlight the fun side of the technology. It is difficult to watch the footage without feeling a sense of joy. This emotional connection is likely driving the high demand. The success of the Microducks demonstrates that even in a market dominated by complex hardware and software, simplicity and charm can still capture the public’s attention. As delivery dates approach, the Microducks are poised to make a significant mark on the holiday market.