Hugging Face Unveils $399 Open-Source Microduck Robot Ahead of Christmas
· Technology · TechCrunch, Android Authority, Indian Express
Hugging Face unveiled a 25-centimeter-tall, duck-like robot named Microduck priced at $399, with shipments scheduled before Christmas. CEO Clem Delangue stated the open-source robot can be taught new tricks using reinforcement learning, including waddling, picking up objects weighing up to 800 grams, getting back up after falling, crouching, and roller skating. The robot perceives its surroundings using a camera, lidar sensors, and two inertial measurement units. Pollen Robotics, which Hugging Face acquired in April 2025, developed the hardware stack with software development kits and training simulations available on GitHub. Delangue defended the privacy aspect of open-source models compared to closed black-box systems, though noting that third-party applications running on the models can still access cameras and microphones.
Why it matters
The launch lowers the cost barrier for developers entering physical AI and reinforcement learning hardware. However, the inclusion of onboard cameras and microphones in consumer environments raises unresolved privacy risks regarding third-party software access.
Read the original report — TechCrunch
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