Put a figurine on Marelleo and it plays a story, playlist or radio stream. Arnaud Aubry built the ESP32-based box for his children; NFC stickers identify the figures, while a local browser page manages recordings on a microSD card.

His October 15 build account explains where Claude helped: understanding datasheets, checking schematics and finding mistakes. Aubry designed the enclosure and describes routing the circuit board by hand. The stories can be ordinary recordings; AI assistance went into making the device.

Firmware, board and enclosure files are public. This remains a home prototype: the repository documents wiring-specific firmware and board corrections, rather than a finished consumer product.

Maker’s discussion:
news.ycombinator.com/item?id=50260753