A 16-year-old from Bristol, England, has garnered international attention after presenting a fully functional robotic hand constructed entirely from Lego pieces at the Intelligent Robots and Systems (IROS) 2025 conference in Hangzhou, China. Jared Lepora, the creator, was the youngest speaker at the prestigious robotics event.
The hand, which took approximately two years to develop, is driven by two motors utilizing a tendon system. It features four fingers, each with three joints, mimicking the dexterity of a human hand. Lego clutch gears are integral to the design, enabling the fingers to move in unison until they encounter an object, at which point movement ceases – a function mirroring natural human grasping mechanics, according to Lepora.
Jared Lepora’s project was supported by his father, Nathan Lepora, a professor in robotics at the University of Bristol. Nathan Lepora described how his son became interested in the field through visits to his lab during school holidays, where he became familiar with 3D-printed designs and interacted with PhD students. “And he had the idea of making one out of Lego…maybe he’ll become my boss someday,” Nathan Lepora said.
The robotic hand is capable of manipulating a variety of objects, including fruits like lemons and apples, as well as plastic cups and bowls. Following the completion of the hand, Jared Lepora and his father co-authored an academic paper detailing their work.
Nathan Lepora expressed hope that the Lego hand could evolve into a commercially available Lego set, making advanced robotics accessible to a wider audience of children. “Wouldn’t it be amazing if it could be a proper Lego set for other children, that would be exciting,” he added. He believes the project offers a unique entry point for children to engage with complex robotics concepts and potentially contribute their own design modifications.
The Lego Group, headquartered in Billund, Denmark, produced tens of billions of Lego bricks in 2024, with revenue reaching almost $8 billion (£6 billion). The company has been expanding its digital presence while maintaining its focus on physical play, and has a significant presence in markets including the US, Europe, China, and the Middle East, according to recent reports.
