James Gilbert: Amateur Inventor, Professional Tinkerer

Turning "I wonder if..." into "Here's how I did it."

Explore My Creations

About Me

I am James Gilbert, an individual driven by an insatiable curiosity and an unwavering belief in the power of invention. From the intricate gears of a watch to the complex lines of code, I am a maker at heart, constantly pushing boundaries and asking, "I wonder if..." My journey is one of continuous learning and self-improvement, fueled by a deep desire to understand the world and create innovative solutions.

My path has led me through diverse fields – carpentry, locksmithing, electronics, and now, the exciting realms of 3D printing, robotics, and AI. Each step has been a testament to my adaptability and my ability to quickly master new disciplines. I embrace technology as a stepping stone to greater things, always seeking ways to amplify human potential through intelligent design and tenacious execution.

Life has presented its own unique challenges, shaping who I am today. As the middle of three children and the only boy, I learned early on to navigate complex dynamics. When my father left at 16, it added a significant layer of responsibility and self-reliance. Furthermore, I was neurodiverse before the term was widely understood, making my learning and adaptation journey particularly challenging, yet ultimately, a source of immense strength.

My formal schooling days were marked by mostly C and D grades, and my childhood dream was to become an astronaut. Yet, despite being told "no" by many, everything I know and do today has been learned and achieved after leaving school. This relentless pursuit of knowledge and creation isn't for external validation; it's a deeply personal mission to prove to myself, every single day, that I am not stupid. This internal drive translates into a unique approach: I constantly refine, process, and optimize my understanding and methods, leading to ever-increasing efficiency and mastery. This empowers me to overcome obstacles, embrace complex problems, and relentlessly learn. My work ethic is rooted in efficiency and meticulous planning, but I'm equally prepared to "dive in and work it out as I go," learning valuable lessons from every challenge. I find immense joy in the creative process and strive to inspire others, especially neurodiverse individuals, to embark on their own journeys of discovery and invention.

My Expertise

Technical Skills

  • Programming Languages: Python (scripting, projects), C++, Java, HTML, CSS.
  • 3D Printing Mastery: From custom printer builds (up to 2m²) & repair to firmware (Marlin, Klipper, Duet3d, RepRap) and operation of FDM, SLA/DLP. Additive manufacturing consultancy.
  • 3D Modeling & Design: Blender, SketchUp, 3D Builder, CAD/CAM, 2D to 3D conversion.
  • Robotics Development: Design & fabrication, programming, control systems, sensor integration, computer vision, and mechanical design.
  • Electronics & Microcontrollers: Soldering, hardware hacking, circuit troubleshooting. Proficient with Arduino, Raspberry Pi, Microbit.

Business & Entrepreneurial

  • Business Ownership: Giblets Creations (CEO & Founder)
  • Sales & Marketing: Processes, Operations, Advertising, B2B
  • Project Management: Production, Coordination
  • Customer Service: Operations, Support, Satisfaction
  • Quality Management: QC, Lean Manufacturing, Testing
  • Web Design: Shopify

Practical & Manual

  • Carpentry: 1st & 2nd fix, Bespoke (10+ years)
  • Maintenance & Repair: General, AV, Electrical, Plumbing, Upholstery
  • Troubleshooting: Diverse Systems (10+ years)
  • Soldering & Mechanical Assembly
  • Lock Picking (Trainee Experience)
  • Driving: CSCS license, DBS Certificate

Interpersonal & Soft Skills

  • Communication & Presentations
  • Problem Solving & Time Management
  • Management: Team, Operations, Inventory
  • Adaptability & Learning Agility
  • Research
  • Software: Microsoft Office, Excel, Zendesk, Virtual Teams

My Creations & Ventures

Praxis: Self-Evolving AI System

My latest ambitious project: an experimental, modular AI architecture designed to evolve, monitor itself, learn from inefficiencies, and dynamically restructure. Inspired by biological systems, Praxis aims for emergent intelligence through iterative evolution, incorporating MetaAgents, TaskAgents, SkillAgents, and a robust KnowledgeBase.

Learn More (Praxis Details)

Shapemaker3D

My online storefront for selling all the 3D models I design and used to manufacture. Shapemaker3D features a curated collection of nostalgia-inspired model kits and creative designs, available for download and printing.

Visit Shapemaker3D Store

Gismo: Multi-Sensor Robot

A personal multi-sensor robot built on a Raspberry Pi Zero 2W. Gismo integrates a PCA9685 servo driver, SSD1306 display, MPU9250 IMU, Pi Camera, L298N motor drivers, and diverse sensors (edge, IR, touch, ultrasonic, sound), with functional motor control code.

Explore Gismo's Build

Custom 1.2m 3D Printer Build

Engineered and constructed a custom 1.2-meter 3D printer featuring independent heated beds, Duet Mini 5 controller, toolboard, and Raspberry Pi integration. This project involved extensive design, assembly, and troubleshooting.

See the Printer Build Process

Latest Updates & Insights

Global Plan: ESP-WOW Swarm Framework

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Introducing a high-level vision for an adaptive AI network with modular microbots, combining principles from various projects into a scalable, evolving system...

Explore the Framework →

Praxis MK2: Advancing Cognitive Capabilities

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Deep in Phase 7 development for Praxis, focusing on intrinsic motivation and hierarchical agent structures. Exciting progress on metacognition foundations...

Read Development Log →

Exploring Advanced Sensor Fusion

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Recently been diving into Kalman filters and their application for combining data from multiple sensors on Gismo. The goal is to improve positional accuracy...

Read More →

Quick Tip: Debugging I2C on Raspberry Pi

Posted:

Spent some time troubleshooting I2C communication issues. Found a neat trick using `i2cdetect` that saved a lot of headache. Sharing for others...

Read More →

Get In Touch

Have a project idea? Looking to collaborate? Or just want to discuss the future of tinkering? I'm always eager to connect with fellow enthusiasts and potential partners.