Konnect is a native KiCad 10 plugin that lets large language models (Claude and others) design schematics and PCBs via the Model Context Protocol. It exposes 228 on-demand tools across schematic capture, PCB layout and routing, ERC/DRC, design-review audits, BOM and manufacturing export, JLCPCB part search, and verified reference circuits. The AI can place and wire components, lay out and route boards in real time with KiCad undo/redo, run checks and health audits, export production files, and show a live schematic viewer. Nimrod, an optional web-research MCP server, supplies quality-scored web search, cleaned page extraction, live parts availability and datasheets (1 credit = 1 search, free 50-credit trial).
Konnect replaces an earlier multi-language server by shipping as a single static Rust binary (~20-25 MB) that talks to KiCad 10 through its official IPC API (protobuf over NNG) and edits .kicad_sch via an S-expression engine with atomic writes and UUID preservation. That design eliminates TypeScript/Python/SWIG plumbing, reduces dependencies, avoids SWIG-related crashes, and supports real-time edits. It implements context-economy routing (small starter context, on-demand tool loading) and observability (recent calls, server stats, JSONL logs). Features include Specctra/Freerouting support, optional native Specctra bridge, plugin-manager installation packages, source builds with protoc/cmake, and a beta status inviting review and contributions.
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LFM2.5-24B-A2B is a 24-billion-parameter model designed for fast, on-device reasoning and agent tasks, offering high speed and competitive performance. It features an expanded vocabulary, longer context window, and extensive training, making it suitable for private, real-time applications. (liquid.ai)
An AI-powered interviewer interacts with an AI interviewee, leading to unpredictable and chaotic exchanges. The event highlights potential challenges and behaviors when AI systems communicate with each other directly. (theregister.com)
Anthropic's revenue increased to $16.8 billion in the third quarter, and the company claims to be profitable. The company is known for developing AI models and safety-focused AI technology. (ft.com)
Open source text-to-CAD tools in Elixir integrate build123d, OpenSCAD, and smlibpy for 3D printing applications. The repository has 17 stars and includes code for converting text to CAD models using AI and scripting tools. (github.com)
TypeSafe AI releases Jev 1.14.0 with experimental features like multimodal images, a new 'box' type, and extended context lengths, accessible under 'danger zone' flags. These features are designed for builders and dreamers to experiment with, but are not yet recommended for production use due to their jaggedness and ongoing improvements. (typesafe.ai)
Google Research's Deep Review tool provides detailed AI feedback on complex documents to enhance understanding and analysis. The initiative is part of a broader effort to advance AI research across multiple disciplines and collaborate globally. (research.google)
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