Pollen Microduck: two mini robots look more alive together, software-only open source
TinfoilTricorn · x · 2026-11-08
Pollen found in internal testing that two Microduck mini robots side by side look more alive than one, since they react to each other. The company positions Microduck as a cheap entry into multi-robot work.
Product details:
- The laser pointer in the accessory pack works as a target the robot follows with its camera
- The camera indicator mimics the red REC light of old camcorders
- Four shell colors (Cream, Graphite, Lavender, Sky) share the same brain
- Removable camera-style battery lasting about an hour
One honest caveat: Pollen asks people not to call Microduck open-source hardware — only the software is open. Voice recognition, navigation and mapping are left for the community to build, and the company says it is still working on the robot's purpose and autonomy.
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