Boy given 'robo-hand' for Christmas

A boy born without a hand has been given a very special Christmas gift.

His grandmother overheard him asking his mum if he would one day be able to get a 'robo hand'.

So she tracked down a special group to make his wish come true.

Baseball loving Lucas Abraham from Kentucky in the US said: "Everybody was like 'whoa! Look at that hand, it's super cool."

A letter from his grandmother inspired local university students to act.

Julie Abraham said: "I heard him say to his mum one day when we were in the car. He said 'mum when will I ever get a robo-hand'? And it just got to me."

Students came up with a way to use a 3D printer to make a robotic hand that responds to wrist movement.

Lucas said: "I've never had a robo-hand before and now I can pick up with this hand."

Lucas' mum Rachel Abraham said: "The most exciting part was seeing him catch that ball and throw it with that arm for the first time."

It takes up to 40 hours to print, but the material costs less than $100.

There is one hand for throwing and holding a cup, a spiderman version for smaller things and a green version that glows in the dark and has a torch.

University student Alyssa Hoeper said: "To see his face light up with a smile and everything it was indescribable."

They can print new hands as he grows.

Lucas said: "Yes, today is a very special day for me, I've never been on TV."