CAIBI ASSESSMENT

Clawd Mochi

A small ESP32-C3 desk companion with animated faces, web controls and a published low-cost parts list.

CAIBI VERDICTBUILD IT

Cheap, compact and easy to modify. It is a good example of AI-assisted embedded work becoming approachable without turning into a large electronics project.

Build with AI See the build I built this

AI CAN HELP

Useful work to hand to AI

Firmware changes
UI changes
Debugging

AI CAN'T DO

The physical boundary

Print and finish the enclosure
Wire the display to the ESP32-C3 correctly
Route and secure the electronics inside the case
Judge whether the finished object looks and feels tidy enough to keep on a desk

BUILD WITH AI

Start with the project, not a blank prompt.

The CAIBI build pack gives an AI assistant the source, the known constraints, the useful AI work and the physical boundary. It is designed to help you move faster without pretending the AI has built the thing for you.

Preview the full build brief

I want to build Clawd Mochi.

Source project: https://github.com/yousifamanuel/clawd-mochi

Use the source as the authority. Do not invent parts, dimensions, prices or capabilities that are not published.

AI can help with: Firmware changes, UI changes, Debugging.
AI cannot physically do: Print and finish the enclosure, Wire the display to the ESP32-C3 correctly, Route and secure the electronics inside the case, Judge whether the finished object looks and feels tidy enough to keep on a desk.
Tools and capabilities involved: 3D printer, ESP32.
CAIBI's main concern: The concept is simple enough that finish quality matters. A rough print and untidy wiring quickly make it feel like a prototype.

Start by checking the source, confirming the current parts and build instructions, then give me a staged plan. Clearly separate source facts from your suggestions. Stop and ask me to verify anything that depends on physical fit, wiring, calibration or safety.

THE BUILD

How it actually comes together

Check the source ↗

YOU

Print and test-fit the case

Print the published case, then test-fit the display before fixing or soldering anything. The creator recommends 0.15 to 0.20mm layers, 15% gyroid and supports for the display overhang.

YOU

Wire the display

Connect the ST7789 display to the ESP32-C3 using the published GPIO mapping. The source explicitly requires 3.3V for VCC.

AI + YOU

Set up Arduino

Install ESP32 board support and the Adafruit graphics libraries, then apply the board settings published by the project.

AI + YOU

Flash the firmware

Upload the supplied sketch over USB-C. AI can help diagnose board, library or compile issues, but the source firmware already provides the baseline.

YOU

Assemble the enclosure

Route the wires, secure the display, fix the ESP32 to the back plate and close the case around the USB-C connection.

AI + YOU

Connect and customise

Join the device Wi-Fi hotspot, open its browser controller, then change animations, views, colours or code once the base build works.

WHAT YOU NEED

Key components

ESP32-C3 Super Mini
1.54 inch ST7789 240 × 240 TFT display
8 short jumper wires
2 × M2 × 6mm screws
Double-sided tape
USB-C cable
3D printed PLA or PETG case, about 30g

AFTER THE FIRST BUILD

Ways to take it further

New expressions and animationsWeather or clock viewsBuzzerTouch or other sensorsMQTT or Home Assistant integrationOTA updates

OTHER WAYS TO GET THERE

You do not have to follow one route.

ORIGINAL BUILDFollow the creator route

Use the published source, files and instructions as the baseline.

↗AI ASSISTEDUse the CAIBI build pack

Start from the source with prompts that keep the AI inside the verified build information.

→OUTSOURCE PARTGet fabrication done for you

You do not necessarily need to own every capability. This build uses 3D printer, ESP32.

→ALTERNATIVE PROJECTImageGenCam

A buildable Raspberry Pi camera designed around a Codex-assisted hardware and software workflow.

→

REVIEWED RESOURCES

Useful places beyond the main source

FILESClawd Mochi case on MakerWorld

Published printable enclosure files linked by the creator.

↗

MADE BY PEOPLE

Real builds belong here.

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SOURCE · CAIBI · BUILDERS

What supports the verdict

SOURCEYousif Amanuel

Source available with detailed beginner build instructions

The creator states a total parts cost of about $7 to $8, a build time of about one hour and beginner skill level.
The device hosts its own Wi-Fi controller and does not require an app, cloud service or internet connection for normal control.
The source publishes the parts list, GPIO wiring table, Arduino setup, print settings and assembly tips.
The project is an independent fan project and is not affiliated with Anthropic.

Open source ↗

CAIBIBUILD IT

Cheap, compact and easy to modify. It is a good example of AI-assisted embedded work becoming approachable without turning into a large electronics project.

Evidence: Strong
Biggest challenge: The concept is simple enough that finish quality matters. A rough print and untidy wiring quickly make it feel like a prototype.

BUILDERSNo published reports yet

Actual time, cost, changes and outcomes from reviewed builds will appear here.

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BUILT IT?

Tell us what actually happened.

Your result can improve the assessment and, if you choose, link people to your public build or listing.

What worked and what changed
Actual time and cost
Public build or repo link
Optional maker or sales listing