15-Year-Old Engineer Shares Cycloidal Gearbox Project on GitHub

A new open‑source project titled “cycloidal_gearbox” has been added to GitHub by developer tom‑ilan, drawing attention from the tech community after being shared on Hacker News. The repository, located at github.com/tom-ilan/cycloidal_gearbox, provides a complete set of design files, simulation scripts, and documentation for constructing a cycloidal gearbox, a type of gear mechanism known for high torque transmission and compact form factor. Within hours of the post, the Hacker News discussion (news.ycombinator.com/item?id=49140396) accumulated 32 points and nine comments, indicating notable interest among engineers and hobbyists.

The project’s contents include 3‑D CAD models, bill of materials, and Python‑based analysis tools that enable users to evaluate performance parameters such as load capacity and efficiency. Contributors in the comment thread examined the design’s suitability for 3‑D printing and CNC machining, debated material choices, and suggested potential applications ranging from robotics to small‑scale power transmission. By making the gearbox design freely available, the repository expands the pool of open‑source mechanical resources and may serve as a reference for future developments in compact gear solutions.