Open Source Robotics Reality: Microduck Clones Predicted by 2027
deliprao · x · 2026-08-31
Citing the demand proven by Pollen's Microduck, Delip Rao predicts that Chinese manufacturers will ramp up production of knockoff microducks that "work" with official software. The prediction gives it >50% odds before Christmas 2026, and almost certainty in early 2027 when the quotes around "work" will drop. This highlights the harsh reality of cloning in open source hardware.
Microduck Hardware Specs:
- Actuators: 15 × Dynamixel XL330 servos
- Compute: Radxa ZERO 3W (Rockchip RK3566)
- Memory: 1 GB RAM + 32 GB storage
- Sensing: Dual 6-axis IMU, 8x8 ToF LiDAR, Forward wide-angle camera
- Other: 2× NFC antennas, NP-F550 battery, 50 Hz control loop
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