# Hugging Face Microduck robot launch

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/hugging-face-microduck-robot-launch
> Updated: 2026-08-31T06:50:39.000Z. Sources: 37. Developments: 2.

Hugging Face and its subsidiary Pollen Robotics announced the launch of Microduck, a 25-centimeter bipedal robot priced at $399. Designed as an open-source platform for physical AI research, the robot features 15 motors, a camera, LiDAR sensors, and an articulated beak capable of picking up objects up to 800 grams.

The platform utilizes a “Sim-to-Real” workflow, enabling developers to train behaviors in physics simulations before deploying them to the hardware. The robot includes autonomous balance restoration to recover from falls and can perform several pre-trained behaviors, such as walking and kicking a ball. 

This release follows Hugging Face’s April 2025 acquisition of Pollen Robotics and aligns with a strategy to integrate open-source AI with accessible hardware. The software development kit and simulation tools are available under an Apache 2.0 license, with shipping expected to begin before the 2026 Christmas season.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-31: Hugging Face unveils Microduck open-source bipedal robot

Hugging Face has launched Microduck, a $399 open-source bipedal robot designed for reinforcement learning and Sim-to-Real development.

11 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/hugging-face-unveils-microduck-open-source-bipedal-robot

### 2026-08-27: Hugging Face launches Microduck, a $399 open-source robot

Hugging Face and Pollen Robotics have unveiled Microduck, a $399 open-source, duck-shaped robot designed for physical AI research and reinforcement learning experimentation.

26 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/pollen-robotics-unveils-microduck-bipedal-robot

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Cite as: Hugging Face Microduck robot launch. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/hugging-face-microduck-robot-launch