James Gilbert

gibletscreations@gmail.com
LinkedIn Profile | Portfolio Website

Summary

A highly motivated and resourceful Amateur Inventor and Professional Tinkerer with a diverse, self-taught skill set spanning programming, robotics, 3D printing, electronics, and practical engineering. Driven by an insatiable curiosity ("I wonder if...") and a tenacious problem-solving approach ("Here's how I did it"). Proven ability to rapidly learn new technologies and apply them to create innovative solutions, from complex AI systems and custom robotics to large-scale 3D printers and entrepreneurial ventures. Eager to apply a unique blend of technical acumen, creative ingenuity, and a relentless drive for efficiency and mastery to a challenging role that fosters continuous learning and impactful creation. Seeking to contribute to a dynamic R&D environment or an innovative product development team, applying expertise in AI, robotics, 3D printing, and rapid prototyping to solve complex challenges and drive the creation of cutting-edge solutions.

Skills

Programming & Software:
  • Languages: Python (Scripting, Automation, Project Development), C++, Java, HTML, CSS
  • AI/ML: Conceptual understanding of AI architectures, Reinforcement Learning, Knowledge Base design (as demonstrated in "Praxis" project)
  • 3D Modeling & Design: Blender, SketchUp, 3D Builder, CAD/CAM, 2D to 3D Conversion
  • Web Technologies: Basic Web Development, Shopify
  • Productivity: Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word), Zendesk, Virtual Team Collaboration Tools
3D Printing & Additive Manufacturing:
  • Technologies: FDM, SLA/DLP
  • Hardware: Custom 3D Printer Design & Construction (including 2m² scale), Servicing, Repair, Calibration
  • Firmware: RepRap, Marlin, Klipper, Duet3D
  • Consultancy: Advising on 3D printing solutions and workflows
Robotics & Electronics:
  • Design & Fabrication: Robot Design, Mechanical Assembly, Sensor Integration
  • Programming & Control: Python for robotics, Control Systems (e.g., L298N, PCA9685)
  • Microcontrollers: Arduino Uno R3, Raspberry Pi (3 Model B, Model A+), Microbit v1 & Sensor Shield
  • Components: Extensive hands-on experience with a wide array of sensors (temperature, ultrasonic, PIR, IR, sound, tilt, impact, line, distance), actuators (motors, servos, pumps, lasers), power modules, communication modules (USB WiFi), displays (LCD 1602, MRD-114-IPS-LCD-8P), and cameras (Pi Camera Rev 1.3).
  • Skills: Soldering, Circuit Design & Troubleshooting, Hardware Hacking
Practical & Mechanical:
  • Carpentry: 10+ years (1st & 2nd Fix, Bespoke, NVQ Level 2)
  • Maintenance & Repair: 5+ years (General, AV Systems, Electrical, Plumbing, Upholstery)
  • Troubleshooting: 10+ years across diverse mechanical and electronic systems
  • Lock Picking: 1 year trainee experience
Business & Interpersonal:
  • Entrepreneurship: Business Ownership (Giblets Creations - CEO & Founder), Sales, Marketing, Advertising (B2B), Sales Processes & Operations
  • Project Management: Production Management, Project Coordination, Quality Control, Lean Manufacturing Principles, Testing
  • Customer Relations: Customer Service Operations, Customer Support, Technical Support, Customer Satisfaction
  • Communication: Presentations, Clear articulation of technical concepts
  • Personal Attributes: High Learning Agility, Adaptability, Tenacity, Resilience, Problem-Solving, Efficiency-focused, Meticulous Planning, Time Management, Independent & Team Contributor

Key Projects

"Praxis" - Self-Evolving AI System | Personal Project (Ongoing)

  • Conceptualized and actively developing an experimental, modular AI architecture designed for self-monitoring, learning from inefficiencies, and dynamic restructuring.
  • Architecture incorporates MetaAgent, TaskAgents, SkillAgents, MutationEngine, FitnessEngine, and a KnowledgeBase with FactMemory, leveraging principles of bio-inspired emergent intelligence and iterative evolution.
  • Objective: To create an AI that can autonomously improve its performance and adapt its structure to new tasks and challenges, with a long-term vision for physical embodiment.
  • Technologies/Concepts: Python, AI Design Principles, Reinforcement Learning concepts, Modular System Architecture.
  • Status: Actively in development (Phase 7 - MK2), focusing on advanced cognitive capabilities and organizational intelligence, building upon successfully implemented core evolutionary mechanisms, agentic intelligence, and self-naming logic (Phases 1-6).

Gismo - Multi-Sensor Robot | Personal Project

  • Designed, fabricated, and programmed a multi-sensor autonomous robot platform to explore robotics and sensor integration.
  • Integrated Raspberry Pi Zero 2W, PCA9685 servo driver, SSD1306 OLED display, MPU9250 IMU, Pi Camera, and L298N motor drivers.
  • Incorporated a diverse suite of sensors including edge detection, IR proximity, touch, ultrasonic distance, and sound sensors for environmental interaction and data gathering.
  • Developed functional motor control code in Python for navigation and movement.
  • Outcome: Successfully created a versatile robotics testbed for experimenting with sensor fusion, navigation algorithms, and computer vision, enhancing practical robotics skills.

Custom Large-Scale 3D Printer (1.2m Build Volume) | Personal Project

  • Engineered and constructed a large-format FDM 3D printer with a 1.2-meter build envelope from the ground up.
  • Key Features: Independent heated beds for material versatility, Duet Mini 5 controller, Duet Toolboard for advanced extruder control, and Raspberry Pi integration (e.g., for Klipper/OctoPrint).
  • Managed all project phases: mechanical design, component sourcing, precision assembly, complex wiring, firmware configuration (Marlin/Klipper), and extensive troubleshooting to achieve operational excellence.
  • Outcome: A fully functional, custom-built large-scale printer capable of producing substantial parts, demonstrating advanced understanding of 3D printer mechanics, electronics, and system integration.

Giblets Creations - 3D Printed Model Kits | Founder & CEO

2012 – 2020

  • Founded and managed an entrepreneurial venture specializing in the design, manufacture, and sale of 1980s nostalgia-themed 3D-printed model kits.
  • Designed original models using Blender/SketchUp, optimized for 3D printing, and operated a small 3D printer farm (up to 4 FDM/SLA/DLP printers).
  • Directed all business operations: e-commerce website development (Shopify), online sales (Facebook, eBay), marketing campaigns, customer service, inventory management, order fulfillment, and participation in shows/events.
  • Explored Augmented Reality (AR) for innovative product promotion.
  • Outcome: Successfully established and ran a niche small business, gaining comprehensive experience in product development lifecycle, manufacturing, sales, digital marketing, and customer relations.

Professional Experience

Caretaker

Heyford Park School, Heyford, Bicester | October 2023 – Present

  • Responsible for general site maintenance, security protocols, health and safety compliance, and operational support for school activities.
  • Proactively devised and implemented an optimized system for exam desk setup, significantly reducing setup time by [mention % or hours saved if possible] and improving overall efficiency.
  • Demonstrates reliability, practical problem-solving, and commitment in a structured environment.

Maintenance Engineer

Vans for Bands, Kidlington | 2017 – 2019

  • Maintained and repaired a diverse fleet of tour buses, from VW splitters to double-decker coaches, ensuring operational readiness and safety.
  • Performed comprehensive interior fit-outs (carpentry, upholstery), AV system troubleshooting and repair, electrical diagnostics, and plumbing maintenance.
  • Left under good circumstances to dedicate more focus to rapidly advancing interests and opportunities in 3D printing and personal invention projects.

Carpenter

Self-Employed, [Your General Area/Region] | Approx. [Start Year e.g., 2002] – [End Year e.g., 2012] (10 years post-school)

  • Provided skilled carpentry services including 1st and 2nd fix, bespoke furniture creation, and general woodworking for residential and commercial clients. (NVQ Level 2 Qualified).

Locksmith Trainee

Executive Security Locksmiths, Oxfordshire | 2016 – 2017

  • Gained foundational experience in lock mechanisms, picking techniques, and security system principles.

Education & Certifications

Interests (Optional)

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