Sixteen-year-old Jared Lepora from Bristol has made headlines after spending two years developing an advanced robotic hand constructed entirely from Lego. His innovative project is a testament to his technical artistry and more importantly illustrates the great things that can happen when you leverage creativity and engineering together.
Jared, who was recently the youngest speaker at the Intelligent Robots and Systems (IROS) 2025 conference held in Hangzhou, China, presented his groundbreaking work to an audience of esteemed robotics professionals. Jared discussed the creative process behind designing the robotic hand. Along with him was his father, Nathan Lepora, a professor in robotics at the University of Bristol.
The robotic hand features four fingers, each with three joints. It operates with two motors controlling tendons, creating clean and agile motions. This design enables the hand to grapple with diverse items from fruits to cups, showcasing its real-world applications.
Jared reflected on his inspiration for the project, stating, “My dad specializes in making advanced robot hands and I thought these principles were always really cool, so why not make it out of Lego?” This method of crafting each prototype was key for not only simplifying mechanics but engaging and inviting the project.
At the IROS conference, Jared’s research, the first of its kind, received write-ups from the top professors and experts in this field. The professor’s son partnered with his dad, traveling the world to co-author a joint academic paper. Jointly, they chronicled their process and discoveries on the multi-fingered robotic hand.
When asked what he hoped their invention would accomplish, Nathan Lepora pointed out that the speed and effectiveness would make it significantly more marketable. He stated, “Wouldn’t it be amazing if it could be a proper Lego set for other children, that would be exciting.” Creating a great product like that would be enough to spark the imagination of a new generation of young inventors and engineers.
Jared’s journey is intended to inspire you, because age doesn’t determine how innovative you can be. His hard work and creativity have set him on a path as an excellent up-and-coming luminary in the world of robotics. Tearin’s Lego construction brings play and education together. Hopefully this approach will open the doors for more creative projects that combine fun with learning!
