Hugging Face has announced the Microduck, a one-eyed bipedal robot standing under 10 inches tall that skates on small wheels. The device, developed by Pollen Robotics, is available for preorder at $399 in cream, graphite, lavender, and sky blue, with shipping scheduled before Christmas 2026. Video demonstrations show the robot picking up socks and markers, kicking a ball, and following a laser pointer while users control it via game controller. The Microduck operates on open-source software, continuing the company’s approach to accessible hardware development.
This release matters because it targets a specific consumer niche where people want tangible interaction with AI without the complexity of coding. Unlike general-purpose assistants, the Microduck focuses on simple physical tasks like fetching items or playing with a ball, making it a potential entry point for households interested in robotics. The open-source nature of the software allows developers to modify its behaviour, which encourages community experimentation. This strategy could help build a user base accustomed to customising AI models before they consider more expensive products.
- Preorder price is $399
- Shipping expected before Christmas 2026
- Software is open source
