Hugging Face’s robotics division, Pollen Robotics, has opened preorders for its second consumer robot, the Microduck, a one-eyed bipedal machine that stands just under ten inches tall and moves on tiny rollerskates. The device, priced at $399, is available in cream, graphite, lavender, and sky blue, with shipments planned to arrive before Christmas 2026. The launch follows the company’s earlier Reachy Mini robot, and the Microduck is aimed at hobbyists and developers who want a playful, customizable AI companion.
Video demonstrations released by Pollen Robotics show the Microduck picking up small objects like socks and markers, kicking a ball, and zipping around on its skates. The company says the robot can react to its surroundings, follow a laser pointer, and be operated with a game controller. Its software is open-source, meaning owners can retrain the robot to perform new tricks beyond the factory defaults, a feature that carries over from the Reachy Mini.
One of the Microduck’s more unusual traits is its voice. Pollen Robotics says each unit generates a unique audio identity the first time it wakes up, producing what the company describes as “weird little sounds” closer to a creature than a digital assistant. That voice is tied to the individual robot, so it keeps the same sound for its entire lifespan, and the robot can sing using that generated voice.
Internally, the Microduck runs on a Rockchip RK3566 processor and includes a camera, motion sensors, LiDAR, and articulated legs, head, and neck. These components allow it to navigate and interact with its environment, though the company positions it more as a quirky pet-like gadget than a utilitarian assistant. The combination of rollerskates, a singing function, and open-source retraining suggests a focus on entertainment and experimentation.
For US consumers, the Microduck enters a growing market of small, hackable robots that blur the line between toy and developer platform. At $399, it sits below many full-sized humanoid robots but above simple hobbyist kits, targeting buyers who want hands-on AI hardware without a large footprint. The preorder window and holiday shipping timeline also position it as a potential gift item for tech enthusiasts.
Pollen Robotics has not yet announced any additional distributors or retail partners, so the direct preorder is currently the primary route for US buyers. The open-source software component may appeal to makers and educators looking to teach robotics or AI concepts with a tangible device. As the shipping date approaches, more details about battery life, app support, or expansion accessories could emerge, but none of those specifics have been provided yet.
More AI news from TechManNews.
