This is my capstone senior design project, where a group of myself and 5 other mechanical engineering seniors worked to develop a new progressive thumb linkage for Caterpillar's Mini Hex excavator. Over the course of 2 semesters, my team designed analyzed and prototyped an improved thumb linkage design capable of achieving more clamping force improved rackback angle all while reducing weight and cost. This project will be completed by May 2022.