Introduction
The era of accessible domestic and educational robots is here. With Microduck, Pollen Robotics, in collaboration with Hugging Face, offers an open-source biped robot designed to push the limits of what you can achieve in robotics and artificial intelligence.
What is Microduck?
Microduck is a 25 cm biped robot, ready to use right out of the box. Designed to be educational and fun, it is fully open-source and can be customized and trained to perform various tasks through reinforcement learning. Available for pre-order at $399, it promises to arrive before Christmas 2026.
A Compact and Efficient Design
Don't be fooled by its compact size. Microduck is designed to be robust and adaptable. It comes with a set of basic features, but its true power lies in its ability to learn new behaviors through simulations on your machine or via Hugging Face services.
Features and Capabilities
Training in Simulation
Microduck's training begins in a physical simulation environment. This framework allows for the development of behaviors without risking damage to the physical robot. Once the behavior is refined in simulation, it can be deployed on the real robot.
Deployment and Refinement
After training the robot in simulation, the deployment process is quick and straightforward. Each behavior is a policy you can adjust, retrain, and redeploy as needed. Then, share these new skills with the community to enrich the collective experience.
Variety of Behaviors
Microduck can walk, sit, stand, kick, and even roller skate. Each action is an opportunity for learning and optimization. This makes it a valuable tool for developers and robotics enthusiasts looking to experiment and innovate.
Customization and Accessories
Microduck is available in four colorways, allowing you to reflect your personality. Each unit comes with a remote control, battery, and USB-C cable. Additional packs, such as the charger pack or developer pack, offer spare parts and accessories to extend and enrich the experience.
Why Microduck?
Open-Source and Accessible
As an open-source platform, Microduck is not just a product; it is an invitation to collaborate and innovate. Developers can not only create new features but also contribute to a growing community.
A Powerful Educational Tool
Microduck provides a hands-on introduction to robotics and reinforcement learning, making these complex concepts accessible to a broader audience. Educators can use it to teach basic principles in programming and mechanical engineering.
Conclusion
Microduck is more than just a robot. It represents a new wave of accessible, customizable, and educational technology. Whether you are a seasoned developer or a curious beginner, Microduck has something to offer.
Let's discuss your project in 15 minutes.