In the heart of Bordeaux, a group of visionary roboticists decided to tackle a significant challenge in robotics with an unexpected hero—a duck. Not just any duck, but a 25-centimeter tall marvel named Microduck, graced with an articulated beak and roller-skating capabilities. Their instinct was spot on. This innovative device sold over 10,000 units in its debut week, generating an impressive $4 million, propelled by its distinctively large eye.
Unpacking the Microduck 25-Centimeter Robot
Created by Pollen Robotics, now part of Hugging Face, the diminutive robot follows the success of Reachy Mini, another popular desktop robot. Standing at 25 cm and weighing under 800 grams, it walks thanks to 15 motors in its legs, neck, head, and beak.
Microduck is equipped with advanced hardware, including a camera, 8×8 time-of-flight LiDAR, IMUs, microphones, a speaker, and NFC antennas, all powered by a Rockchip RK3566 processor. The battery is a universally known NP-F550, good for an hour, aligning with camera light standards. Preorders start at $399 from August 27.
The Seven Skills of the Microduck 25-Centimeter Robot
This pint-sized robot comes ready to perform seven actions: walking, sitting, standing, kicking, grabbing, recovering from a fall, and, yes, roller skating—a feature built into its design, not an aftermarket addition.
Adding New Tricks
Each task is a policy accessible on GitHub under Apache 2.0, inclusive of its simulator and training stack. Using MuJoCo and PPO, 4,096 simulated ducks enable one real Microduck to learn quickly, achieving functional gaits in just one to two hours on a CUDA GPU.
Mastering Real-World Challenges with the Microduck 25-Centimeter Robot
What stands out is Microduck’s preparation for real-world unpredictability. Pollen Robotics cleverly simulates various hardware glitches—battery variance, command delays, and friction differences—facilitating successful transitions from digital simulations to physical movements.
More Than Just a Robot
Microduck doesn’t shy away from being a toy, embracing it with vibrant orange feet and customizable panels. The minimalist design—a giant eye and beak—imparts a delightful personality. Accessory packs, available at reasonable prices, underscore its inviting nature.
For enthusiasts interested in how technology can merge with art, Katharine Morling’s porcelain art offers a unique perspective on transforming everyday objects into whimsical masterpieces.
Breaking New Ground
While the home robotics market often leans toward costly and precise machines, Microduck — affordable at less than the cost of a quality camera lens — offers a playful yet educational alternative, granting users the freedom to explore AI in a novel way.
The gap between aspiring to own a robot and actually having one has long been impeded by cost and complexity. This charming creation transforms these barriers into opportunities for innovation and fun.
“I think we’re creating a new category of consumer robots here, which is AI native and kind of playful but also education tools,” says Thomas Wolf, co-founder and Chief Science Officer at Hugging Face.
Diving deeper into innovative robotics in unexpected places, learn how South Korean designers revolutionize restrooms with autonomous robots, further showcasing robotics’ diverse potential.
Preorders are now available at Pollen Robotics, with shipments anticipated before Christmas. The full code is provided on GitHub for those eager to explore before purchase.
Source: mossandfog.com
Frequently asked questions
What is the price of the Microduck robot?
Preorders for the Microduck start at $399 from August 27.
How many units did Microduck sell in its debut week?
The innovative device sold over 10,000 units in its debut week, generating an impressive $4 million.
What features does the Microduck robot have?
Microduck can perform seven actions, including walking, sitting, standing, kicking, grabbing, recovering from a fall, and roller skating.