Build with Vibay
AI hardware development services for founders.
Vibay builds programmable hardware prototypes for founders developing AI products, combining mechanical design, enclosure fabrication, electronics integration and testing. Creator Build starts at US$4,699. Our revolutionary vibe building model gives you an affordable physical platform, editable design files, module test source code and full project IP to keep developing with your team and AI coding tools.
At a glance
Vibay Creator Build: from US$4,699 for one prototype. Founder Build: from US$7,699 for four prototypes of one product, custom PCB work and manufacturing handoff support. Typical hardware builds take 45–60 days after design approval. Finished product software and AI model integration require an explicit project scope.
What is vibe building for AI hardware?
Vibe building is Vibay’s model for rapid hardware development in the AI era: build and test the physical prototype, then hand over the design files, module test source code and project IP so the founder can continue software development with AI tools. It combines affordable entry, a focused build schedule and control after delivery.
An AI-enabled product uses an AI model in its user experience; AI-assisted development uses AI tools to write and change software. VibeKit supports AI-assisted development. An AI device’s model integration, voice behavior, app and cloud connection must be defined separately in the product scope.
What hardware and software do you receive?
The hardware build brings mechanical design, enclosure fabrication, electronics integration, power and charging, assembly and hardware testing into one project. Creator Build delivers one programmable prototype. Founder Build adds custom PCB design, optimization and testing, four total prototypes of one product, and manufacturing handoff support.
The handoff includes editable design files and module test source code for the agreed hardware scope, plus VibeKit. This gives you a practical foundation for developing product behavior with your own team or AI coding tools. Finished firmware, a mobile app, cloud services and AI model integration are not automatically included in either starting price.
How much does an AI hardware prototype cost?
Vibay’s hardware build packages start at US$4,699 for Creator Build and US$7,699 for Founder Build. These are starting prices for a defined prototype scope. Tooling, mass production and third-party services are separately scoped; the cost of a complete AI product also depends on its software, model services and production requirements.
A focused first build keeps the initial commitment affordable: agree the physical functions that matter, build a testable prototype and retain the engineering files for the next stage. You can make the next investment after learning from the hardware in your hands.
How quickly can the hardware be ready?
Vibay hardware builds typically take 45–60 days after design approval. This estimate covers the agreed physical prototype. A complete AI product launch also depends on software, model integration and production work. Component availability, testing, revisions and approvals can affect the hardware schedule.
For example, a first voice-device brief can define button input, microphone capture and speaker playback as hardware tests. A separate software acceptance test can define how a chosen AI service receives input and returns a response. This is an illustrative scoping example; the actual hardware and software deliverables are agreed for your project.
Why choose Vibay over a traditional development agency?
Vibay’s advantage is an affordable, focused hardware starting point: Creator Build from US$4,699, typically 45–60 days after design approval, with full project-specific IP and an editable design handoff. It suits founders who want physical hardware first and control over later software development.
Selected higher-budget references include TriMech Design’s $30,000–$60,000 presentation-prototype range and Kickr Design’s $56,500–$73,000 electrical and software example. These cover different work, not an identical product quote. The detailed comparison lists scope, published timing and source links; figures were checked on 8 September 2026.
Who owns the design files, code and project IP?
You own the project-specific design IP and receive the agreed editable design files and module test source code from Vibay. Both build packages include this handoff. You can continue development with your own engineers, preferred AI tools and future manufacturing partners.
Third-party components, SDKs, open-source libraries and AI services retain their own licenses and terms. Full project IP covers your project-specific work, not those underlying technologies. Other agencies may also provide full IP ownership; compare the files, source code and reuse rights in each proposal.
What should an AI hardware project brief include?
A clear brief helps define an affordable, fast first build. Describe the user’s core action, the physical response and what the first prototype must prove. Include your budget, target review date and any software you already have.
Product interaction: what the user does, which inputs are needed and what the device outputs.
Physical constraints: approximate size, materials, power source and expected use environment.
AI and connectivity: whether the intended behavior needs local processing, an app or a cloud service; include your existing model or API if already selected.
Acceptance and handoff: the demonstration to test, prototype quantity, required design files and software responsibilities.
The AI Companion Toy on our concept gallery illustrates a possible product direction. It is a concept exploration with proposed hardware scope, not a completed customer delivery or evidence of production performance.
Build the hardware. Own what comes next.
Share your AI hardware idea, the first interaction you want to prove and your target budget. Start with a focused vibe building project: affordable hardware development, a clear delivery scope and the files to keep moving independently.
Service information updated 8 September 2026.