Claw-duino!

This project uses a Boarduino (breadboardable arduino) + Parallax ping (ultrasonic sensor) to achieve the near-ninja sword-catching grabbiness seen above. Hearing that *crank* noise sure brings me back – those toy claws were always much simple fun! – boarduino robot claw[via]

Related:

The chimney claw

Boarduino – Breadboard-compatible Arduino clone