MechFaber: Claude Code designs a 99-part quadruped with firmware co-simulated in Renode and MuJoCo
SpeedyBrowser45 · reddit · 2026-09-22
After 3 months of building, the author presents MechFaber, a desktop app for machine design: you describe the machine, Claude Code connects and does the design work with tools to measure, build, and simulate. The demo is a quadruped with 12 actuators, a lidar, and 99 parts — designed by Claude Code, firmware included.
Key architecture:
- Split subagents for research/calculations, CAD, electronics, firmware, and simulation — a single agent doing everything didn't work well
- No guessing: the model asks the CAD kernel for dimensions, pulls ratings from datasheets, and runs FEA through the app
- Electronics: a full wiring loom with gauges and lengths; picked a Pi 5 for lidar and a Teensy for the motor loop
- Firmware-in-the-loop: firmware compiles with the real ARM toolchain, runs on an emulated MCU in Renode, and steps together with MuJoCo physics
- Test scenes on demand: ask for a ramp, walkway, or obstacles and rerun the same firmware
Caveat: nothing has been physically built yet; sim-to-real is the next priority. The quadruped is cloneable.
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