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Hugging Face Launches Adorable Rollerskating Microduck Robot

AI | The Verge· August 27, 2026 View original

Key takeaways

  • Hugging Face's Pollen Robotics launched the Microduck, a small, rollerskating AI robot.
  • The Microduck is open-source, allowing for community development and customization.
  • It can perform simple tasks and react to its environment.
  • This product highlights the growing trend of accessible, programmable consumer robots.

Who benefits

RoboticsEducationResearch & DevelopmentConsumer ElectronicsAI Development

Summary

Hugging Face's Pollen Robotics has released the Microduck, a small, one-eyed bipedal robot capable of rollerskating and performing simple tasks. Available for preorder at $399, the open-source robot is expected to ship by late 2026.

Pollen Robotics, a division of Hugging Face, has unveiled its latest creation, the Microduck robot. This compact, one-eyed bipedal device stands under 10 inches tall and is designed for interactive and playful applications. The Microduck is capable of various movements, including rollerskating, and can perform basic actions such as picking up small objects. It also features environmental awareness, reacting to its surroundings and following laser pointers, with optional game controller operation. Priced at $399 for preorder, with an anticipated shipping date before Christmas 2026, the robot's software is open-source, aligning with Hugging Face's commitment to community-driven development in AI and robotics.

Why it matters

This launch showcases the continued expansion of AI into consumer robotics and provides an open-source platform for developers to experiment with physical AI applications, potentially fostering innovation in personal robotics.

How to implement this in your domain

  1. 1Explore the Microduck's open-source software to understand its capabilities and potential for customization.
  2. 2Consider integrating the robot into educational programs for hands-on AI and robotics learning.
  3. 3Develop custom applications or behaviors for the Microduck using its open-source framework.
  4. 4Monitor the community around Microduck for new use cases and development opportunities.

Original post by AI | The Verge

"Hugging Face's Pollen Robotics has launched its second cute AI robot, the Microduck, a one-eyed biped standing just under 10 inches tall. It's available to preorder now for $399 in cream, graphite, lavender, and sky blue, and Pollen Robotics says it plans to start shipping the li…"

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