Nvidia’s CEO Jensen Huang recently captivated audiences at the GTC Berlin conference by showcasing Microduck robots, which quickly became a viral sensation. These tiny robots exhibit charming behaviors such as stomping their feet, emitting playful R2-D2-like sounds, and responding to voice commands with actions like somersaults or “taking naps.” The enthusiasm from Huang’s demonstration led to over 20,000 preorders for Microducks within just one day, propelling them to the forefront as a potential must-have toy for the upcoming Christmas season.

Microduck robots are produced by Pollen Robotics, a company that joined the Nvidia ecosystem through Hugging Face, which Nvidia acquired in September 2026. This marks a significant step as Hugging Face’s second robotic product after their earlier Reachy Mini robot. The Microducks were developed using Nvidia’s AI technology stack, leveraging simulations for them to learn basic behaviors before being shipped with these programmed skills. Moreover, users will have the option to train their Microduck with new tricks and contribute to a shared community of routines, underlining their open-source nature.

The appeal of the Microduck extends beyond children, with promotional content featuring adults engaging with the robots, suggesting a broader market interest. The preorders are expected to be delivered in time for the holiday season, potentially making Microducks the top-selling robot toy of the year. Industry observers, including Clem Delangue of Hugging Face, speculate that these robots could garner substantial popularity not only among kids but also among tech enthusiasts and adult consumers.

This unexpected hit comes at a time when the AI industry has faced criticism due to recent cybersecurity challenges connected to AI use, reminding people that artificial intelligence can also bring joy and entertainment. The heartwarming demonstration by Nvidia’s CEO serves as a lighthearted contrast, highlighting how AI-powered robotics can merge fun with advanced technology, stimulating excitement among consumers during this holiday season.