The 2026 Fine Motor Skills Hackathon, hosted by Viam in New York, challenged software engineers to tackle complex robotics tasks using UFactory xArm robot arms and cameras. The event brought together developers to build functioning prototypes addressing intricate physical movements, ranging from juggling and Jenga-playing robots to watercolor painters and automated baristas. By the end of the weekend, teams successfully deployed real-world AI applications.

Commissioned by Viam's Video Production Manager, Adam Behrmann, this documentation was a collaborative production. Adam captured the initial day of the hackathon, while I stepped in as the videographer for day two, utilizing a gimbal and Sony FX3 to navigate the active workspace as teams finalized their projects. The resulting piece, edited by Adam, highlights the participants' rapid progression from early hardware interactions to fully functioning prototypes.