# DIY Responsive Robotic Hands Build Your Own Robotic Hand Using Simple Hardware Store Products By Jen Chae | Published 2013-06-12 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/robotic-hand References: [mashable](http://mashable.com/2013/06/04/diy-robotic-hand/) & [youtube](http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCeeDKg3DAxJKZiD6xVV5xw?feature=watch) Some people think it takes a genius to make a robotic hand, but apparently not so much anymore. Aaron Thomen’s ‘How to Make a $200 Robotic Hand’ videos on [YouTube](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chopstix) teach you to build your own mechanical hand from scratch, using simple hardware store purchases. Aaron Thomen designed and constructed this robotic hand and its controller for less than $200. You’ll see some nuts and bolts and springs—stuff that you might even have lying around the house. Though it isn’t expensive to make, the Terminator-like hand is no dinky toy; it’s a command-responsive contraption with impressive finesse. The hand can even use a pair of scissors or lift a relatively heavy cup of water. So next time you take a trip to the hardware store, keep an eye open for servomotors and an Arduino controller—the main components of Thomen’s [DIY project](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pomodoro-bot). His video instructions on YouTube will teach you thoroughly about the whole process. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.7/10 - Popularity: 15% | Activity: 57% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/robots) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Affordable DIY Robotics:** Opportunity for businesses to develop and market affordable do-it-yourself robotics kits and tutorials. - **Hardware Store Hacks:** Opportunity for hardware stores to capitalize on customers seeking materials for DIY robotics projects. - **Command-responsive Contraptions:** Opportunity to create more command-responsive contraptions with impressive finesse using DIY robotics techniques. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Robotics:** Disruptive innovation opportunity for the robotics industry to cater to the growing demand for affordable DIY robotics kits and tutorials. - **Hardware Retail:** Disruptive innovation opportunity for hardware stores to tap into the DIY robotics market by offering specialized materials and components. - **Education and Training:** Opportunity for the education and training industry to provide courses and workshops on DIY robotics using hardware store products. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Lightweight Robotic Hand Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/robotic-hand1.md) - [Open-Source Robotic Arms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bus-servo-robotic-arm.md) - [Diminutive DIY Desktop Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/diy-desktop-robot.md) - [Robotic Hand Assistance Solutions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bioservo-carbonhand.md) - [Smart Bionic Hands](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/smart-bionic-hand.md) - [Dexterous Robotics Hands](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sharpawave.md) - [Affordable 3D-Printed Prosthetics](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lunet.md) - [AI-Powered Robotic Arms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/modular-robot-arm.md) - [Flower-Inspired Robotic Grippers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/robotic-gripper.md)