Open-source AI agent 'Copperhead' for KiCad-based PCB design released

Copperhead Overview

Copperhead is an open-source AI engineering platform for hardware teams that directly edits KiCad files and automates design verification and documentation. Positioned as a 'Cursor for circuit boards', it focuses on resolving Drift (inconsistency) issues that arise during design changes to reduce respin costs and time.

Key Features and How It Works

• 8-step pipeline: Comprises 8 steps from specification definition, architecture, component selection, schematic/layout generation, output files (Gerber, etc.), firmware, to development planning. Each step is executed by an independent agent and is committed only when actual artifacts are generated on disk.
• Accuracy assurance: Prohibits the generation of part numbers not justified by datasheets and generates minimal diffs instead of rewriting entire files to facilitate review. Refuses file edits if change proposals are not verified.
• Automated verification: Automatically runs ERC (Electrical Rules Check) and DRC (Design Rules Check) to block errors in advance.

Installation and Pricing Policy

• Installation: Install with npm i -g copperhead. Requires Node 20+, KiCad CLI, and API keys for models such as Claude or GPT-5.
• Open Core model: The CLI is permanently free under the Apache-2.0 license and runs locally. Cloud and enterprise services including hosting, team collaboration, and audit features are paid.