Home & automationOriginal source ↗

CAIBI ASSESSMENT

VerhoBot

A compact ESP32 curtain robot built to automate an existing curtain rail without ropes or pulleys.

CAIBI VERDICTWORTH CONSIDERING

It retrofits automation to an ordinary curtain rail and keeps the hardware and firmware open to modification.

Build with AI See the build I built this

AI CAN HELP

Useful work to hand to AI

Firmware changes
Scheduling logic
Home automation integration

AI CAN'T DO

The physical boundary

Check the real curtain load, rail geometry and available clearance
Assemble the motor, battery and drive hardware
Mount the mechanism so it grips and travels reliably
Calibrate open and closed positions on the actual curtain
Prove battery life and unattended operation over repeated cycles

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 VerhoBot.

Source project: https://github.com/migit/verhoBot

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

AI can help with: Firmware changes, Scheduling logic, Home automation integration.
AI cannot physically do: Check the real curtain load, rail geometry and available clearance, Assemble the motor, battery and drive hardware, Mount the mechanism so it grips and travels reliably, Calibrate open and closed positions on the actual curtain, Prove battery life and unattended operation over repeated cycles.
Tools and capabilities involved: 3D printer, ESP32.
CAIBI's main concern: Curtain weight, rail geometry, traction and battery life are physical variables. A successful build still depends on the installation.

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

Check the curtain and rail

Confirm the rail geometry, curtain load and available clearance before printing or buying parts. The mechanism has to grip and move the real curtain reliably.

YOU

Build the electronics

Assemble the ESP32-C3, motor driver, geared motor, battery and charging hardware using the published design.

YOU

Print and assemble the mechanism

Produce the published enclosure and mechanical parts, then mount the drive system around the selected rail setup.

AI + YOU

Flash and configure

Install the firmware, join the setup access point, configure Wi-Fi and schedules, and verify the dashboard. AI can help with firmware changes and diagnostics.

YOU

Calibrate on the actual curtain

Run the curtain fully open and closed and set the tracked positions in the dashboard. The current V1 position model is time based, so drift is a real installation concern.

YOU

Prove unattended operation

Watch scheduled moves, battery life and wake behaviour over several days before relying on it as an unattended home automation device.

WHAT YOU NEED

Key components

ESP32-C3 Super Mini
N20 geared DC motor, with 100 RPM 6V recommended by the creator
TB6612FNG motor driver
3.7V 300mAh Li-ion or LiPo battery in the current build
USB-C charging hardware
3D printed rail-mounted enclosure and mechanical parts

AFTER THE FIRST BUILD

Ways to take it further

Sunrise and sunset controlHome Assistant integrationPosition sensorsMotor current monitoringObstacle or endstop detectionAlternative battery and enclosure sizes

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

FILESVerhoBot CAD files

3D CAD files linked from the project source.

↗

MADE BY PEOPLE

Real builds belong here.

No reviewed builder listings yet

When people submit completed builds, this section can link to their build notes, repo, printable files, shop or finished version. CAIBI does not take payment or insert itself into the sale.

Add your build or listing

SOURCE · CAIBI · BUILDERS

What supports the verdict

SOURCEmigit

V1 source available and described as stable, with V2 still evolving

The creator describes V1 as stable while continuing to patch it and develop a V2 generation.
The current hardware table lists an ESP32-C3 Super Mini, N20 geared motor, TB6612FNG driver, battery and USB-C charging.
Scheduling, battery monitoring, configuration and OTA updates are listed as completed in the V1 software roadmap.
The source says current position calibration is time based rather than sensor based, so it can drift.
The project is OSHWA certified as FI000004.

Open source ↗

CAIBIWORTH CONSIDERING

It retrofits automation to an ordinary curtain rail and keeps the hardware and firmware open to modification.

Evidence: Moderate
Biggest challenge: Curtain weight, rail geometry, traction and battery life are physical variables. A successful build still depends on the installation.

BUILDERSNo published reports yet

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

Add your build report ↓

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