Hugging Face unveils Microduck, a tiny open-source robot that rollerskates
Hugging Face's Pollen Robotics has introduced Microduck, a small bipedal robot that can rollerskate, pick up items, and follow a laser pointer. Priced at $399, it features open-source software and a unique generated voice for each unit. Preorders are open, with shipping expected before Christmas 2026.
The Microduck follows Hugging Face's earlier Reachy Mini, marking the company's continued push into accessible robotics hardware. Its $399 price point positions it as an entry-level device for hobbyists and educators, with four color options and a compact form factor designed for tabletop use.
The robot's hardware includes a Rockchip RK3566 processor, camera, LiDAR, and motion sensors, while its articulated legs, head, and neck enable the demonstrated behaviors like object pickup and ball play. Its open-source software allows owners to reprogram behaviors beyond the factory defaults, and the per-unit voice generation creates a distinct identity for each robot.
This product could lower the barrier for hands-on robotics experimentation, potentially appealing to educators, hobbyists, and tinkerers who previously faced higher costs or closed systems. The open-source approach may foster a community of custom modifications, while the unique voice feature could make the device feel more companion-like than tool-like. However, its practical utility remains limited, and its impact may depend on how actively the developer community embraces it.