Technology

Pollen Robotics releases open-source Microduck bipedal robot for pre-order

The 25-centimeter robot uses reinforcement learning policies and is scheduled to begin shipping before Christmas 2026.

Updated Aug 27, 2026 · 12:24 UTC1 reports

The short version

Pollen Robotics announced Microduck, an open-source bipedal robot that stands 25 centimeters tall and weighs 800 grams.
The robot is trained in physics simulations using reinforcement learning, with code and training stacks hosted on GitHub under an Apache-2.0 license.
Pre-orders are open at an introductory price of $399, with deliveries scheduled before Christmas 2026.

Pollen Robotics introduced Microduck, a 25-centimeter, 800-gram open-source bipedal robot.[Hacker News]
The hardware includes 15 motors, a camera, LiDAR, and two inertial measurement units (IMUs).[Hacker News]
The software ecosystem, including the SDK, MuJoCo physics simulation, and reinforcement learning training stack, is permissively licensed under Apache-2.0 on GitHub.[Hacker News]
Microduck comes with seven pre-trained movement policies out of the box, including walking, grabbing, sitting, standing, and self-righting.[Hacker News]
Pre-orders for the device are listed at an introductory price of $399 before taxes and shipping.[Hacker News]

Whether Pollen Robotics will meet its projected pre-Christmas 2026 shipping deadline remains unverified until production and distribution commence.[Hacker News]