For 16-year-old Jared Lepora, that’s exactly what he’s accomplished by building a working robotic hand entirely out of Lego. It took him two full years to realize and construct this radically creative installation. It has four fingers, each with three knuckles, which can do delicate maneuvers. The hand, which is controlled through two motors with tendons, represents both an artistic and mechanical innovation.
There’s no doubt Jared’s interest in robotics was bolstered by the support of his dad, Nathan Lepora. Nathan is the professor of robotics at the University of Bristol. In tandem, they worked on a scholarly article about the design, operation and use of the robotic hand. Nathan told us that he was proud of what his son had created and that other young inventors would be inspired by its creation.
“Wouldn’t it be amazing if it could be a proper Lego set for other children, that would be exciting,” – Nathan Lepora
Ultimately her robotic hand could be used to pick up different objects, such as fruits or cups, showcasing its workshop-ready adaptations as well. We were all losing Jared’s brilliant and creative work to his small local community. Because of this, he ended up getting invited to give a keynote for the Intelligent Robots and Systems (IROS) 2025 conference in Hangzhou, China. At this prestigious event, he became the youngest speaker, sharing insights into his project with an audience of seasoned professionals and academics.
Reflecting on his inspiration, Jared explained his motivation 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?” Her portrayal of his family guiding influence and passion for the world of robotics shined through.
Immediately after delivering his speech to the IROS conference, Jared was able to network with the biggest name professors in this field. This collaboration connected his network further and helped to expose him to leading work in advanced robotics. A recent BBC article featured his cutting-edge work prominently. This latest bit of recognition cements his reputation as a young tech pioneer.
In a charming moment captured in a photograph, Jared donned a school blazer while sitting beside his Lego creation, symbolizing the blend of youthful enthusiasm and academic rigor. His journey is an encouragement to all the young inventors out there, and a testament for what happens when you blend education with creativity.