Raptor House FX is a multidisciplinary practical effects studio serving the film, television, and creative industries. Known for blending old-school craftsmanship with cutting-edge digital design, the team brings imaginative concepts to life through practical effects, animatronics, and rapid manufacturing. Whether building for blockbuster sets or gallery installations, Raptor House FX thrives at the intersection of art, engineering, and storytelling, helping creators turn their boldest ideas into tangible, on-screen magic.
When Netflix’s Wednesday needed to reintroduce one of the most iconic characters in television history — Thing, the expressive, disembodied hand — the creative and technical challenge was immense. The character needed to move naturally, react expressively, and maintain perfect continuity across shots and live events. Traditional puppeteering methods alone couldn’t deliver the required level of precision or lifelike articulation.
To achieve the performance audiences expect from such a beloved character, Raptor House FX turned to robotics experts at Alt-Bionics and high-fidelity motion capture technology from MANUS.
Partnering with Alt-Bionics, Raptor House FX integrated the MANUS Metagloves Pro into the project’s performance pipeline. The Metagloves Pro enabled millimeter-accurate, real-time finger tracking, capturing every flick, tap, and gesture that defined Thing’s mischievous personality.
This seamless blend of robotics, motion capture, and practical effects allowed operators to puppeteer a fully realized robotic hand — powered by Alt-Bionics’ engineering and brought to life with MANUS’ cutting-edge tracking. Whether crawling across the purple carpet or appearing live at Netflix’s Tudum event, the setup ensured that every motion felt precise, expressive, and human.
The real-time control made possible by MANUS technology allowed Thing to perform live in front of audiences — a rare achievement in modern VFX-heavy production. By integrating the Metagloves Pro into the robotic hand’s control system, the team achieved synchronized, lifelike motion with virtually no latency.
This approach not only enhanced creative freedom on set but also demonstrated how wearable motion capture and robotic teleoperation can transform character performance in entertainment.
“Every flick, tap, and scurry was powered by motion capture and robotics working in perfect sync.”
— Jesse Velez, Owner & Practical FX Designer at Raptor House FX
The success of Thing showcases the potential of human–machine collaboration in entertainment where practical effects meet digital precision. MANUS, Alt-Bionics, and Raptor House FX continue exploring the future of embodied performance, where wearable technology bridges creativity and engineering to make the impossible feel real.
