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Friday, January 16, 2026

Hobbyist faithfully recreates his childhood hero, prompting tears from fans

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Perhaps the most expensive project to come out of the Corona era and a small garage. You’ve never seen this famous robot so free

Can you remember what you did when the Corona pandemic was in full swing? Whether you were playing video games, learning a new language or discovering new books, it’s hard to think of anyone who has been through a project like this Brit.

34-year-old Ryan Howard from Nottinghamshire He recreated Johnny 5 from the 80s film “Number 5 Lives!” with his own hands. And he did it without any previous knowledge of robotics.

A robot triggers nostalgia tears

In a (BBC) report, Howard unveils his 200-kilogram robot, which appears to be every bit the equal of the original from the movies. 

The hobbyist previously worked as a forklift driver and talks about how he had never had anything to do with robotics before the project. He says he taught himself the technology during the pandemic.

“I’ve never done anything like this before. We are really normal people. “

How do people react to Johnny 5? In the UK, Johnny 5 has already become a bit of a phenomenon. Since Howard built his robot, he and his family have met “lots of great people”. Some of them are touched when they talk to or meet Johnny 5. Some even cry, he says.

How much did it cost? For Ryan Howard, this project was certainly a matter of the heart, as he spent over £20,000 on this robot – and more:

“I stopped counting at £20,000 and we missed a lot of family gatherings. I’m very proud of that. “

Not quite without help – but almost

In an interview with the BBC, Ryan Howard reveals that he built the robot mostly on his own. He did not reveal exactly which areas he did get help with.

Despite a little help, the hobbyist is very proud of his work, especially because it was a big challenge.

What should it cost? Maybe one or the other of you feels the urge to buy Johnny 5. Unfortunately, we have to disappoint you: Howard calls Johnny 5 his third (metal) child and says it’s not for sale.

More tinkering and projects of the heart? Colleague Patrick is happy to tell you about the strangest bikes you’ve seen so far – and they still work:

  • Tinkerer invents crazy bike that shouldn’t actually work

What memories do you have of the 80s film “Number 5 is alive!” (English: “Short Circuit”), if you know it? Which robot would you like to recreate if you had the time and muse? What projects did you start during the Corona crisis? Is there anything you are particularly proud of? Feel free to post your opinions and experiences in the comments below!

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