Meet Microduck, Hugging Face’s new open-source AI robot that can learn new tricks

As the robot Olympics concluded in Beijing, China, the internet buzzed with videos of humanoid robots performing various feats. Hugging Face, known for its platform that enables open-source AI, unveiled Microduck, a new open-source AI robot that stands out in a different way. Unlike its counterparts, Microduck is a small, 25 centimeter tall robot that resembles a duck and sells for $399.

This pint-sized robot can perform a range of tasks, including walking, sitting, standing, kicking, picking up objects with its beak, roller-skating, and even getting back up if it falls over. Microduck comes equipped with over 15 motors, a camera, lidar sensors, and two IMUs (inertial measurement units) for interaction with its environment.

The robot is also open-source, meaning that customers can teach it new tricks using reinforcement learning. This aligns with Hugging Face's mission of providing open-source AI models on their platform. The robot is expected to be available for pre-order starting August 27, 2026, with various color options available.