Hugging Face’s Microduck Feels Like a Harbinger of the Cute AI Robot Wave
It waddles… it roller-skates… it plays ball… it learns.
An irresistibly cute duck robot is making waves in the world of AI, thanks to a collaboration between Hugging Face and Pollen Robotics. The Microduck, priced at $399, has captured the attention of tech enthusiasts and could be a harbinger of a new wave of cute AI robots. This isn't the first time Hugging Face has ventured into robot collaborations; their first one was a stationary robot named Reachy Mini.
The Microduck, however, is designed for mobility, skateboarding around with wheels on its feet, and waddling like a Disney droid. With a camera eye, grabber mouth, and IMU motion-tracking sensors, this little robot is a sight to behold. It can be controlled via gamepad, responds to laser pointers, and can explore its surroundings.
But the real magic lies in its AI capabilities. Microduck is not just a toy; it's a platform for emergent behaviors and AI training. Each Microduck can have its own voice and can interact with other Microducks. As more companies, including OpenAI and Apple, dip their toes into the cute AI robot market, one can't help but wonder about the future of these adorable tech toys.
The Microduck is currently available for pre-order and is expected to be delivered around Christmas in North America, the UK, and Europe.
Written by urgent.news from CNET's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
