A Chinese-made 'robot duck' has become an unexpected retail sensation, selling out within hours of release as demand surged far beyond supply.

The gadget, which combines a playful duck design with robotic movement and interactive features, quickly went viral on Chinese social media, with videos of the device waddling, quacking and responding to users drawing millions of views.

Retailers said the first batch was snapped up almost immediately, with eager buyers snapping up units online and in stores. Some resellers were seen offering the toy at a premium on secondary markets, underscoring the strength of the craze.

The phenomenon highlights how a well-designed, affordable consumer gadget can capture the public imagination in China, where a large and trend-driven consumer base reacts quickly to novel products. Analysts note that short-video platforms and social commerce have amplified demand, allowing niche products to explode into mainstream hits almost overnight.

For manufacturers, the success is a reminder of the scale and speed of China's consumer electronics market — and the challenge of forecasting demand for a product that suddenly goes viral. Companies are now racing to ramp up production to meet the backlog of orders.

Beyond the buzz, the 'robot duck' also reflects a broader trend: the growing appetite for affordable, fun robotics and companion gadgets in the consumer market, as advances in motors, sensors and battery technology make such products cheaper and more accessible than ever.