As fall comes into full swing, we'd like to take an opportunity to highlight some of the best Raspberry Pi projects we've had the honor of featuring this month.
Makers have been hard at work over the last few weeks, showing off some of the most impressive, magical creations we've seen so far. If you want to see what they've been up to, here are some projects we think deserve a little extra attention.
Raspberry Pi-Powered Matrix Cube CPU Monitor
This matrix cube project was created by a maker known as Sebastian Staacks. Using a Raspberry Pi, it constantly displays an animation that changes as his CPU temperature rises and performance increases. The shell was designed by Staacks and 3D printed.
Why we love it: This Raspberry Pi project is incredibly ambient while providing a really clever function. It looks fantastic, serves its purpose and shows off the artistic side of the maker community.
Raspberry Pi Satellite Tracking Globe
Created by Matt Walker, this satellite tracking project relies on a Raspberry Pi Zero to show the real-time location of almost any satellite. The Pi controls a servo which directs a laser to the approximate satellite location.
Why we love it: The study of space is a fascinating endeavor. This Raspberry Pi project brings the excitement to your fingertips. It's wonderfully inventive and highlights the brilliant curiosity found in the Pi community.
Polaroid Pi Camera
Tired of waiting on your photos to develop? Probably not, but you can forgo the printer in exchange for this clever Raspberry Pi polaroid camera. With the help of an Adafruit receipt printer and Raspberry Pi camera, it automatically prints photos for you as soon as they're taken.
Why we love it: This Raspberry Pi project is more than a blast from the past; it's an impressive creation with the right dose of nostalgia. This is a really fun use of the Adafruit thermal receipt printer. It's always interesting to see makers print more than just text.
Tic-Tac-Toe Robot
Need a friend? This little Raspberry Pi robot is designed to challenge any opponent to tic-tac-toe...and win every time. The housing is 3D printed and uses a few servos to maneuver as well as a camera for image recognition.
Why we love it: This Raspberry Pi project is a really fun use of image recognition. The arm works wonderfully at drawing the board and subsequent X's. And of course, who wouldn't appreciate a sassy little robot with attitude.
Rubik's Cube Solver
Solve that old Rubik's cube sitting on your desk with this awesome Rubik's cube solving robot. Using stepper motors and a touchscreen UI, it can solve any Rubik's cube.
Why we love it: It's not cheating, it's hacking. Hacking takes skill and this Raspberry Pi project showcases a lot of hard work. The robot works great and the final design is minimal yet effective.
Cat Scanning Prey Detection System
This Raspberry Pi cat scanner project uses a Raspberry Pi camera to record any approaching cats then uses image recognition to determine whether or not the cat has any caught prey in its mouth.
Why we love it: This is an interesting way to regulate your cats and ensure your home is free of any unwanted critters. Also, it's cats. How can we not feature cats?
Raspberry Pi Lego Jukebox
This Lego jukebox project uses the power of Legos to bring the power of music! By placing Lego Dimensions Minifigures on the scanner, a custom song will play, triggered by a Raspberry Pi.
Why we love it: If you have old Lego Minifigures lying around, this Raspberry Pi project is a fun way to put some life back into them and reuse the old hardware. It's also a really entertaining end product for kids!
Heartbeat Light Sync Project
Why listen to your heart when you could watch it instead? This heartbeat light project uses a heart rate monitor with a Raspberry Pi to synchronize Phillips Hue lights to the rhythm of your heartbeat in real-time.
Why we love it: This Raspberry Pi project demonstrates how technology can connect us to ourselves even more. It's a beautiful concept that just looks plain awesome in practice!
Interactive Storytelling Radio
If you spent hours exploring potential paths in Choose Your Own Adventure Books, you're going to love this interactive Pi radio project. The whole project is voice-activated while housed inside a vintage radio.
Why we love it: This is such a fascinating Raspberry Pi project idea and the implementation shows the work put in was well worth it. It looks great and is an excellent way to both captivate and bring people together with the help of a Pi.
IR Self-Opening Chest With Magic Wand Controller
This IR wand controller chest project was designed by a maker for his sister who works as a teacher. By waving her wand, the chest will open so students can grab a prize. It uses a Raspberry Pi and IR receiver to operate.
Why we love it: This Raspberry Pi project is absolute magic. Knowing it was created as a prize chest for students just makes the work put in seem absolutely worth it. It's a super fun idea that works great in practice.
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