Pollen Robotics' Trainable Microduck Robot
This open-source small robot can be trained by yourself.
1What is Microduck Robot?
Developed by Pollen Robotics, Microduck is a 25 cm open-source bipedal robot. Users can train this robot themselves using reinforcement learning methods. The robot comes ready to play right out of the box with various movement capabilities. Behaviors learned in physics simulation can be transferred to the real robot.
2Customizable Behaviors
Each behavior of Microduck is designed as a policy that users can retrain on their own machines. Behaviors are learned in physics simulation, and this learning process can be performed on the user's machine or via Hugging Face Jobs. The robot can transition from simulation to real world in a single step. It can perform basic movements like sitting, holding a pose, and standing back up.
3Technical Specifications
Microduck can boot up once and immediately start walking. It can perform complex behaviors like beak movements, picking things up from the ground and standing back upright. When equipped with skates, it can perform roller skating movements. The robot can even get up from lying on its back by itself and wait for the next command. It comes in four different color options with identical hardware.
4What's in the Box
Microduck comes with everything you need on day one. The package includes 3 spare motors, 5 motor cables, 2 batteries, dual charger, 10 NFC tags, Hugging Face credit, screwdriver and screw set. It also includes play accessories like laser pointer, NFC polaroid, 2 skates, ball and extra NFC tags. All software running on the robot is accessible on GitHub.
5Software and Development
Microduck's SDK, simulation and full RL training stack are available on GitHub. All code running on the robot is readable, forkable and retrainable. The software, licensed under Apache-2.0, includes basic commands for monitoring, configuring and updating the robot. The physics simulation provides the environment where each policy is trained.
6Community Support
There's a Discord community for Microduck users. This community provides robot demonstrations, shareable policies and technical support. Especially when a leg shows strange behaviors, help can be obtained from the community. The community continuously shares information about robot development and usage.
7Delivery and Pricing
Microduck is available in four different color options and will be delivered before Christmas 2026. It will be sold at an introductory price excluding tax and shipping. The robot's open-source structure allows users to modify it according to their needs. With these features, Microduck is suitable for both hobby and educational use.
8A New Era in Robotics
Pollen Robotics' Microduck opens a new chapter in the industry with customizable and open-source robotic solutions. With its user-friendly design and advanced features, it offers an ideal platform for both beginners and experienced robotics enthusiasts. This robot provides opportunities for home learning and experimentation while also having potential as an important tool in robotics education.
Original article: Hacker News — Pollen Robotics'in Eğitilebilir Mikro Ördek Robotu