The Claw, being a machine that is a god to the Aliens, is a literal manifestation of this plot device.

The rescue of Andy's toys at the end of Toy Story 3 is an example of the plot device ' deus ex machina.' Translated into English, this Latin phrase means 'god out of a machine,' or an unforeseen change in events serving to save the main character(s).

The claw is also in the Toy Story 2 teaser trailer.

The Claw also appears in the Toy Story video game in the level called the 'The Claw!' in PC, Genesis and Super Nintendo Entertainment System versions.

Then, when the toys are about to be destroyed by an incinerator, they are rescued by the aliens using the same crane with a claw that has five fingers. Later, after the toys are dumped at the Tri-County Landfill, the aliens spot a large crane in the distance, which they dub 'The claw,' and run toward it.

In Toy Story 3, the aliens again show their obsession with the claw when a construction vehicle toy with a claw on it drives by them at Sunnyside Daycare. Unfortunately, Andy's violent next-door neighbor, Sid (who loves to torture toys), is seen taking control of the claw and fishes Buzz and Woody out. One of the aliens gets fished out by the claw as Woody eventually catches up with Buzz. Inside, he meets some aliens who worship the claw because they believe if one of them is chosen, they will go on to a better place, an idea that is very much the product of being trapped inside the crane game their whole lives.

In Toy Story, Buzz catches sight of the claw, thinking it is a spaceship that will take him to his 'destination,' and enters the rocket-shaped game.

Download toy story space crane