Seventeen-year-old Hiten Dharpure from Nagpur has pulled off something incredible: he's built the world's smallest fully functional electromechanical robotic arm, just 39.25 mm long. This got him into Guinness World Records,beating the old record of 44.49 mm from an inventor in Indiana,USA.
While most teens are cramming for exams,Dharpure was busy engineering. This tiny arm isn't just a gimmick; it grips, lifts, and moves small objects independently on three axes. For Dharpure, it's more than just a record. "I wanted to show that you don't need a fancy lab for ultra-precision micro-engineering. You can do complex work with accessible tech, right from a home workshop," he said.
It's his third Guinness World Record in a row. Previously, he set record for the largest synchronized robot dance in 2024 and made the world's smallest weather station in 2025 . He aims to set a new global record each year, bringing titles like the smallest robotic arm to India as part of his 'Viksit Bharat' vision.
He thinks this arm could eventually help fields needing high precision, especially medicine. Future versions might assist doctors in minimally invasive surgeries and precise medical tasks. Beyond healthcare,he sees uses in semiconductor manufacturing and space exploration.
The arm works like a tiny human arm . An Arduino-based control system sends PWM signals to micro servo motors,letting it move on three axes and grip objects precisely. Designed from scratch using CAD software, programmed in C/C++.
He used 3D printing to build it. Took just two months, but not without hurdles. Many prototypes failed. "The hardest part was fitting the control module, wiring, and actuators in a 39.25 mm frame without losing strength . Some prototypes broke because walls were too thin, others failed as motors couldn't sync in such tight space," he explained.
To secure Guinness World Record,Dharpure submitted detailed technical docs, videos of the arm in action, witness statements,and precise measurements verified with a mechanical micrometer screw gauge. This rigorous process ensured his creation met the record-keepers' strict criteria .
Looking ahead,Dharpure plans to keep pushing engineering's limits while studying further. He dreams of working for a top global tech company,contributing to groundbreaking innovations and showcasing India's engineering prowess globally. As he looks back on his path, he's determined to inspire others with his work .
