Hugging Face's Pollen Robotics has launched its second artificial intelligence robot, a one-eyed biped called the Microduck. As reported by TechCrunch, the device stands just under 10 inches tall and is available for preorder at a price of $399. Pollen Robotics offers the unit in four distinct color options: cream, graphite, lavender, and sky blue. The company said it plans to begin shipping customer orders before Christmas 2026.
Demonstration videos released for the launch show the Microduck picking up socks and markers, kicking around a ball, and zipping across surfaces on tiny rollerskates. According to Pollen Robotics, the robot can react directly to its physical surroundings and follow a laser pointer across the floor. Users can also take manual control of the machine using a game controller.
Software for the Microduck is open-source, following the model used for Hugging Face's previous Reachy Mini robot. Because the codebase is open, owners can retrain the robot to perform new behaviors and tricks. The unit also sings using a generated voice system. Pollen Robotics said the robot communicates through creature-like sounds rather than assistant speech. Each Microduck generates a unique audio identity upon first waking up, keeping that voice for life.
Inside the hardware enclosure, the Microduck is powered by a Rockchip RK3566 processor. Navigation and perception rely on an integrated camera, motion sensors, and LiDAR, while physical movement is handled through articulated joints in the legs, head, and neck.
