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