{
  "id": 3780962,
  "title": "Hugging Face launches Microduck, a $399 open-source robot duck",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/27/hugging-face-launches-microduck-a-399-open-source-robot-duck",
  "topic": "ai",
  "section": "AI",
  "published": "2026-08-27T17:11:13.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Mashable",
    "slug": "mashable",
    "url": "https://mashable.com/tech/hugging-face-microduck-open-source-robot-duck"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Hugging Face, the AI platform, recently introduced Microduck, an open-source robot duck priced at $399. This 9.8-inch tall robot can waddle, sit, kick balls, pick up objects with its beak, and get back up after falling over. Microduck can also roller-skate when wheels are added. It is available for preorder at a discounted price and will be shipped before Christmas 2026. Microduck comes with seven pre-trained movements and a game controller, enabling users to control it without coding.\n\nDevelopers can teach Microduck new tricks using reinforcement learning, a process where AI learns behaviors through trial and error. The robot's appearance is not simply for cuteness; it was derived from its proportions, articulated beak, and waddling gait. The duck-like design makes the robot approachable without hiding its mechanical parts. Each Microduck has its unique voice, which remains constant for its lifetime. The robot's software, simulation environment, and reinforcement-learning tools are available on GitHub under an open-source license.\n\nMicroduck includes 15 motors, a camera, microphone and speaker, LiDAR, motion sensors, WiFi, Bluetooth, and NFC antennas. Its removable battery lasts around one hour per charge. The robot also comes with a battery, USB-C cable, and a game controller. Additional accessories, such as rollers, a ball, a laser pointer, and NFC tags, are available for purchase separately.\n\nThis launch marks the beginning of an era of affordable open-source robots for physical spaces. Hugging Face has previously released LeRobot, programmable SO-101 robotic arm, and humanoid robots HopeJR and Reachy Mini. Microduck is designed for AI that acts, moving through physical spaces, carrying objects, and recovering from falls. The company predicts that Microduck will be more fun in a group setting, enabling robot races, soccer matches, and other multi-robot experiments.",
  "summary": "Meet Microduck, Hugging Face’s $399 programmable robot duck that can waddle, roller-skate, carry objects, and learn new tricks.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 5,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Quartz",
        "title": "Nvidia is reportedly agreeing to buy open-source AI hub Hugging Face for $12.9 billion",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/27/nvidia-is-reportedly-agreeing-to-buy-open-source-ai-hub-hugging-face",
        "published": "2026-08-27T11:20:39.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "TechCrunch",
        "title": "Hugging Face is selling a cute $399 open-source duck robot, Microduck",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/27/hugging-face-is-selling-a-cute-399-open-source-duck-robot-microduck",
        "published": "2026-08-27T14:56:52.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "The Register Science",
        "title": "Hugging Face offers $399 robot duck to help you quack the AI code",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/27/hugging-face-offers-399-robot-duck-to-help-you-quack-the-ai-code",
        "published": "2026-08-27T16:25:07.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "SiliconANGLE",
        "title": "Nvidia reportedly acquires AI project hosting platform Hugging Face for $12.9B",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/27/nvidia-reportedly-acquires-ai-project-hosting-platform-hugging-face",
        "published": "2026-08-27T20:14:11.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}