ID0: The Agentic Hardware Robot

An agentic hardware robot that autonomously designs, 3D prints, and swaps custom tools for each task, enabling robots to create the hardware they need instead of relying on a single general-purpose gripper.

The problem

Most robotic arms are limited by whatever end effector they're built with. A gripper that's great for picking up a box is useless for turning a screw. Swapping tools usually means human intervention; someone has to design, manufacture, and physically attach the right tool for the job.

What I built

I originated the concept and designed a universal adapter mechanism that can be 3D printed in place. ID0 scans its environment, understands what it needs to manipulate, and generates a modular custom end effector using programmatic CAD. The system uses vision and LLM-driven CAD generation to design the tool, and uses multicolor printing to print AprilTags on the tool, allowing the robot to find and pick it up from the printer. I also designed a tool garage, allowing the robot to pick up and drop off these custom tools and allowing for multi-step processes. I iterated through 10+ hardware revisions and 100+ 3D prints in about 36 hours.

Outcome

Built within 36 hours and presented at YC RoboHacks to founders, investors, and judges, generating inbound interest from robotics companies. Received multiple job offers from robotics startups backed by YC and 8VC.