Champlain Student Creates Iron Man-Inspired Robotic Hand, Wins Science Award

Lennoxville, April 19, 2025 – Champlain College student Mateo Jarquin is making waves in the world of innovation with “FLEX,” a fully functional robotic hand that mirrors human movement in real time using only a camera. Inspired by Iron Man and powered by his own code and 3D printing, Mateo’s creation can be controlled remotely from anywhere in the world. His prototype uses cameras and distance tracking to translate finger movements into robotic motion — no gloves or wires required.

What began as a passion project became a game-changing invention, earning Mateo top honors at Quebec’s Super Expo-Sciences. He’s since been awarded a full scholarship covering university through to a doctorate and secured a coveted spot on Team Quebec for the Canada-Wide Science Fair in Fredericton.

With his YouTube channel “MateoTechLab” documenting the journey, Mateo hopes to inspire the next generation of inventors. “Don’t be afraid to start,” he says. “You can’t make an omelette without breaking a few eggs.”

From local inspiration to national recognition, Mateo’s story reminds us that big dreams can be built — one motor, one line of code, and one bold idea at a time.

Listen to the full interview here: