Hugging Face’s $399 Robot Ducks Racks Up $2.6 Million in Sales as Nvidia Deal Buzz Grows

Hugging Face‘s new Microduck robot generated more than $2.6 million in orders within its first 24 hours on sale, as consumer interest in AI-powered robotics surges.

Hugging Face Hits $1 Million in Preorders

On Friday, Hugging Face co-founder Thomas Wolf shared the figures in a post on X. Pre-orders had already crossed $1 million just six hours after Thursday’s launch, he said in an earlier post.

Compact Design Packs Advanced Hardware

The 25-centimeter, open-source biped features 15 actuators and multiple sensors, priced at $399 for preorder. It was unveiled by Pollen Robotics, the French robotics firm Hugging Face acquired last year.

Microduck is Pollen’s second consumer robot, following the Reachy Mini desktop model. Unlike its predecessor, it can walk, sit, kick, rollerskate and grasp small objects with a plastic mandible. It also has a camera, lidar and two motion sensors.

The launch comes as Hugging Face attracts growing attention. Nvidia Corp. (NASDAQ:NVDA) is reportedly seeking to acquire Hugging Face for $13 billion.

Analysts say the platform’s expanding presence in robotics and physical AI could help strengthen Nvidia’s hardware distribution.

Robotics Race Heats Up Among Major Players

The launch reflects a broader industry push to move AI beyond chatbots into home robotics.

Microduck’s launch reflects a broader industry shift to move artificial intelligence beyond chatbots and into physical, consumer-facing machines.

Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ:TSLA) is developing its Optimus humanoid robot, while startup 1X is building similar machines aimed at everyday consumer use.

Earlier this year, automaker Hyundai floated the idea of selling robots directly through its car dealerships, a move that would put humanoid machines within reach of everyday shoppers.

RoboStrategy Inc. (NASDAQ:BOT) CEO Andrew Kang told Benzinga he expects robots to match or exceed human capability at most physical work within five years.

Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

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