Tiny Robots Stomp Their Way to Holiday Fame

A group of small, waddling robots is poised to become one of the most talked-about gifts of the upcoming holiday season. The surge in popularity began earlier this week when a video featuring Nvidia Chief Executive Officer Jensen Huang interacting with a flock of these devices went viral online. The footage captured Huang playing with the units during his keynote address at the GTC Berlin conference. In the clip, the robots are seen stomping their feet and emitting high-pitched sounds reminiscent of a famous sci-fi droid. They also demonstrate the ability to sit, fall over for a brief nap, and perform somersaults upon receiving a voice command.

The adorable nature of the demonstration immediately translated into commercial success. According to Clem Delangue of Hugging Face, preorders for the devices surpassed 20,000 units by the day after the video was released. Delangue shared this milestone in a social media post, noting the rapid uptake. Given that the robots are scheduled for delivery before Christmas, they are already positioning themselves as a top contender for the hottest toy of the year. Delangue suggested they could potentially become the best-selling robot of 2026, a category that may not even be limited to children, as promotional materials frequently feature adults engaging with the units.

These devices, known as Microducks, are open-source robots produced by Pollen Robotics. The company was acquired by Hugging Face in 2025, which subsequently became part of Nvidia’s portfolio when the GPU giant purchased Hugging Face in September. This acquisition chain means the Microducks are now technically an Nvidia product. This is the second robotic product from Hugging Face, following the similarly popular Reachy Mini. The integration allows for a tight connection between the hardware and the software ecosystems of both companies.

The robots are built using Nvidia’s technology stack. During the manufacturing process, simulations of the Microducks were trained to perform basic tricks, such as walking, sitting, and standing, which are pre-installed when they ship to customers. Pollen Robotics states that owners can further customize their units by teaching them new tricks. These custom behaviors can then be shared with the broader community, creating a collaborative environment for users to exchange ideas and movements.

The timing of this viral moment is notable within the tech industry. Earlier this week, the AI sector faced significant scrutiny, with several cyberattacks attributed to AI involvement. This period of tension was followed by the lighthearted reception of the Microduck video. The contrast highlights the dual nature of the technology, which can be both a source of complex security concerns and simple, playful entertainment. For many viewers, the clip served as a welcome break from the heavier news cycle.

The video has resonated widely, with many commentators noting how difficult it is to watch the footage without considering a purchase. The combination of the CEO’s involvement and the robots’ endearing behaviors has created a strong emotional connection with the audience. As delivery dates approach, the Microducks are likely to dominate holiday gift lists. Their success underscores the market demand for accessible, interactive robotics that appeal to a broad demographic beyond traditional tech enthusiasts.