Cover image via Douyin
In a small workshop in Changsha, China, a father-son duo is turning sci-fi dreams into reality
Yao Cong, a former architect, has gained a massive following for his ingenious homemade robots — built not in a high-tech lab, but with second-hand materials and sheer determination.
According to the South China Morning Post, his story has captivated millions online, including China's Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Mao Ning, who praised him as a "hardcore dad."
Since leaving his job, Yao has immersed himself in mechanical design, programming, and robotics — all self-taught through library books.
Image via Douyin
The man's 10-year-old son, Xiaoyi, shares his fascination, having demonstrated a knack for tinkering since toddlerhood
Their social media account, @zaomengxiaoyi, showcases an impressive collection of DIY robots, attracting 1.2 million followers.
Their creations range from practical to wildly imaginative.
One walking robot can sweep the floor and load laundry, while another — a mechanical bag — features robotic arms that fire plastic bullets on Xiaoyi's command.
Image via Douyin
Together, they have built a slithering robotic snake, a lifelike spider that joins in their play battles, and even a transforming car that shifts form in seconds
Remarkably, all these machines are crafted from everyday materials — plastic bottles, wood, and salvaged electronics.
Their 3D printers? Bought secondhand for just a few hundred yuan.
The duo's ingenuity has earned admiration across China.
"This is real-life Iron Man," one social media user exclaimed. Others jokingly lament their own lack of engineering prowess compared to Yao. But for him, the real reward isn't fame — it's the joy of creating with his son.
"We're grateful for the support," Yao said in a recent video, bowing alongside Xiaoyi. "We'll keep building, keep learning."
Image via Douyin
