Vibe coding is old news. People are 'vibe manufacturing' now.
Tech enthusiasts are using AI models like GPT-6 Astra to design and prototype physical hardware, a trend they call 'vibe manufacturing.' This process allows users to generate design files for custom parts and order them directly from fabrication services without traditional engineering expertise.
Why it matters
This shift suggests that AI is lowering the barrier to entry for hardware manufacturing, potentially disrupting traditional CAD engineering and prototyping workflows.
David Plakon prototyped an answering box for his kids with GPT-6 Astra. David Plakon These techies are using AI to prototype answering machines, toys, and jewelry. They call it "vibe manufacturing," a play on the term vibe coding. The vibe manufacturers are bullish on its potential. "AI literally does replace CAD engineering completely," one said. Jeff Deehan is a real estate developer by day and a "hobby guy" by night. The 42-year-old has a workshop in his East Lansing house. One project remained elusive: a small piece of steel to secure a camper to his truck. While Deehan was toying with OpenAI's GPT-6 Astra in voice mode, he described the piece he needed and the angle at which it would sit. Five minutes later, the chatbot had prototyped it. GPT-6 Astra designed a steel part to secure a camper to Jeff Deehan's truck.
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