This Arduino-powered robot claw spins a globe between its fingers like it came from a supervillain's lair

Credit: OmarBuilds Published Aug 14, 2026, 2:24 AM EDT Simon is a Computer Science BSc graduate who has been writing about technology since 2014, and using Windows machines since 3.1. After working for an indie game studio and acting as the family's go-to technician for all computer issues, he found his passion for writing and decided to use his skill set to write about all things tech. Since beginning his writing career, he has written for many different publications such as WorldStart, Listverse, and MakeTechEasier. However, after finding his home at MakeUseOf in February 2019, he would eventually move on to its sister site, XDA, to bring the latest and greatest in Windows, Linux, and DIY electronics. Sign in to your XDA account Summary This Doc Ock–style robot claw slowly spins a globe, perfect for those "take over the world" vibes. It uses 12 Dynamixel servos, Arduino OpenRB-150, LED filaments, MOSFET, and a step-down for power. 4 potentiometers control speed/direction and offsets; STL files and build details available on Patreon. You know, despite there being a ton of tinkerers out there making cool things, there's a surprising lack of villain-coded things. You'd think a community of gadget-making fanatics would dip into the classic Bond villain aesthetic every once in a while. Well, one person has brought their particularly sinister project to the internet, and I must say, it's very impressive. This robot claw spins a globe on your desk with some menacing lighting You just need to supply the evil laughter Over on the Arduino subreddit, user OmarBuilds is showing off what they've been cooking. It's a cool, Doc Ock-styled claw that can hold a globe between its four fingers. It'll then use said fingers to slowly spin the globe around, giving that cool "One day I'll take over the world" kind of feeling. It's not practical by any means, but practically never stops a tinkerer from making awesome builds. OmarBuilds used a 3D printer to print the shell, but they also used the following hardware to make everything work: * 1 x Arduino OpenRB-150 * 12 x Dynamixel XL430-W250-T * 9 x Red 300mm LED filament * 1 x Pololu-5592 12v to 3.3v step down (LED power) * 1 x COM-24144 N MOSFET (switch on/off LEDs) and 4 x potentiometers to control the globe’s speed/direction, height, width, and depth of each offset step. If you'd like to see a longer video showing off the design and build process, you can check out OmarBuilds' full coverage for their robotic claw. And if you'd like to make your own, you can find the STLs and everything else you need to make one over on OmarBuilds' Patreon. They've announced that they're currently in the process of building the Leaper from Arc Raiders, so if that sounds like fun, be sure to throw OmarBuilds a follow.