Hugging Face announced the Microduck, a small duck-like robot priced at $399, which is expected to ship before Christmas. The robot, described as an open-source device, can be programmed using reinforcement learning to perform tasks such as waddling, picking up objects weighing up to 800 grams, and even roller skating. Clem Delangue, CEO of Hugging Face, emphasized that the Microduck represents a step toward democratizing physical AI and world models through open-source technology. 'Welcome to the era of open-source affordable robots to democratize physical AI and world models!' Delangue said in a tweet. The robot features a camera, lidar sensors, and two inertial measurement units to perceive its environment. Developers can train the Microduck’s behaviors in simulation and deploy them on the physical robot, with the SDK, simulation tools, and full RL training stack available on GitHub. The Microduck is part of Hugging Face’s broader strategy to make AI hardware more accessible, following the launch of the $499 Reachy Mini and the $399 Reachy Mini Lite. The company acquired Pollen Robotics in April 2025 to advance this mission. The Microduck’s release coincides with reports that Hugging Face may be acquired by Nvidia at a $13 billion valuation. Both companies have been aligned in promoting open-source AI for years, with Nvidia providing Hugging Face’s infrastructure since 2023. The launch also follows a cybersecurity incident involving Hugging Face’s sandbox during safety testing with OpenAI’s systems. TechCrunch has contacted Hugging Face and Pollen Robotics for further details.

Hugging Face, known for its open-source AI platform, has been expanding into hardware with the acquisition of Pollen Robotics. The company’s open-source approach allows developers to audit and control AI systems, though it does not guarantee data privacy after third-party applications are installed. Delangue previously stated that open-source models are more privacy-friendly than closed systems, but noted that apps can access the robot’s cameras and microphones, potentially sending data to external services. The Microduck’s launch is part of Hugging Face’s effort to make AI hardware more affordable and accessible.

Source: techcrunch