'They Changed My Life': Engineering Students Create Robotic Hand For New Classmate

February 1, 2023

Engineering students at Hendersonville High School in Tennessee built their new classmate a life-changing robotic hand.

students build robotic hand for new classmate
Credit: CBS News

Starting at a new school at 15 years old can be difficult for any teenager.

Sergio Peralta had to do it with a hand that didn't fully form. His plan was to hide it from everyone.

"In the first days of school, I honestly felt like hiding my hand," he told CBS News. "Like nobody would ever find out."

students build robotic hand for new classmate
Credit: CBS News

A teacher in the school's engineering program did find out, though, and told Peralta that his classmates might be able to help out.

"They ended up offering me, like, 'We could build your prosthetic hand', and I never expected it," Peralta said. "Like, never in a million years."

students build robotic hand for new classmate
Credit: CBS News

With access to online models and a 3D printer, the group hit a home run. Peralta was able to catch a baseball with his right hand for the first time in his life.

"I never expected this...They changed my life," he said.

Watch the good news video below.