Spring is officially here and it's time to take a look at some of the coolest Raspberry Pi projects that have bloomed over the last month. As always, we have a wide variety of creations, from RP2040-based projects to projects using our newest board, the Raspberry Pi 5. Whether you're an amateur or an experienced microelectronic creator, there's plenty to inspire you in all genres. Expert.
These manufacturers and developers bring out the best Raspberry Pi accessories and HATs to bring their ideas to life. If you want to share all the interesting details about the components they're using or the libraries they've installed, be sure to pass it along with a link to the source material. We also have several guides created by the staff at Tom's Hardware to help you follow along at home.
Raspberry Pi 5 Cat TV
(Image credit: Becky Stern)
After a long day, there's nothing like the chance to kick back and relax in front of the TV. No one knows that better than Becky Stern, the maker and developer who decided to create the Raspberry Pi Cat TV and share the experience with the cats she loves. This TV uses the latest Her Pi model, the Raspberry Pi 5.
Why we like it:
This may not be a very complex project, but it's the use case that shines here. The TV automatically loads cat videos from YouTube that show footage of birds, squirrels, and more. This is a very generous project that makes some seriously spoiled cats, and we love it.
Read: Raspberry Pi 5 Cat TV
Raspberry Pi hat camera
(Image credit: Jacob David C. Cunningham)
Some Raspberry Pi projects are not only portable, but also wearable, like this Raspberry Pi hat camera built by Jacob David C Cunningham. The device has everything you need for on-the-go operation, including a battery and a clip that easily attaches to the brim of your hat.
Why we like it:
Making Raspberry Pi projects portable is always difficult. Depending on your use case, it can be difficult to figure out the power required and the weight of the battery. This is a great example of a finished product that is both useful and fun to make.
Read: Raspberry Pi Hat Camera
Raspberry Pi Pico StoRPer Modular DIY Robot Rover
(Image credit: Joe Hinchliffe)
If there's one thing the Raspberry Pi Pico excels at, it's as a small RC car. It was created by maker and developer Jo Hinchliffe and is known as StoRPer. It is modularly designed and has omnidirectional wheels for easy steering.
Why we like it:
We love seeing Pico used on custom PCBs, so it's no surprise that we enjoyed seeing it here. The StoRPer is a neat little car, and omnidirectional wheels are a bonus.
Read: Raspberry Pi Pico StoRPer Modular DIY Robot Rover
Vela AI Raspberry Pi Computing Module 4 Smart Bike
(Image credit: Velo AI)
After thriving in the technology market for the past decade, it's not uncommon to see the Pi used in commercial products. In this case, Velo AI announced its line of Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4 smart bikes.
Why we like it:
The bike uses AI to help the driver anticipate traffic from behind, ideally creating a safer experience for the rider. It's impressive enough to see a proof of concept for a Raspberry Pi AI project, but it's just as impressive to see the technology implemented into a product you can buy.
Read: Vela AI Raspberry Pi Computing Module 4 Smart Bike
Raspberry Pi Pico W Atari 2600 Bluetooth Controller Support
(Image credit: Reogen)
The best way to get a great retro gaming experience is to use the right controller. Make Reogen is trying to change things up by creating his Raspberry Pi Pico-equipped adapter for the Atari 2600 that allows support for Bluetooth controllers, rather than trying to use retro controllers with emulators.
Why we like it:
This is one of those projects that we never thought about until we saw it. This is a very niche use case, but it's a beautiful example of how Pico can act as a bridge between modern and classic hardware.
Read: Raspberry Pi Pico W Atari 2600 Bluetooth Controller Support
Raspberry Pi Pico “Back to the Future” Time Circuit Replica
(Image credit: Traveling_fred)
Fans can go to some extreme lengths to create realistic props from their favorite movies. Manufacturer and developer Traveling_fred makes the list by showing off his kit, a circuit replica from the 'Back to the Future' era, featuring our favorite microcontroller, his Raspberry Pi Pico. .
Why we like it:
This is a truly unique kit that pays homage to the classic sci-fi series “Back to the Future.” The final build itself is very nice, but the kit also looks like a lot of fun to put together. It's up to you to decide how and when to process the final product.
Read: Raspberry Pi Pico “Back to the Future” Time Circuit Replica
Raspberry Pi precision translation stage
(Image credit: Robert Elder)
Some projects are driven by very specific needs. In this case, YouTuber and creator Robert the Elder needed a way to smoothly rotate his microchip while taking close-up shots of him on his channel. The end result is this cool his Pi-powered precision translation stage.
Why we like it:
This project shows that you don't need to buy expensive tools and that a little ingenuity and effort can go a long way. Elder says this is still a work in progress, but even in its current state he's very excited about it.
Read: Raspberry Pi precision translation stage
DIY Raspberry Pi all-sky camera
(Image credit: Frank Prins)
Are you looking to the sky? So does Frank Prince, who developed this custom Raspberry Pi all-sky camera. It aims at the sky far north of the Arctic Circle and captures images of the aurora borealis.
Why we like it:
It's one thing to find pi in a professional setting, it's another to see it used in the name of science. We love the unique opportunity Prince has to not only capture images of the aurora borealis with Pi, but to share them with us.
Read: DIY Raspberry Pi All Sky Camera
Raspberry Pi Pico RP2040 Custom Virtual Pinball Machine Inside
(Image credit: Wim Dewijngaert)
No quarters are required to play this machine. Dewijngaert created this virtual pinball machine of his. Although the Pi is not used as the main board, you will find an RP2040 microcontroller on it that handles button inputs.
Why we like it:
This is a project aimed not only at fans of retro gaming in general, but also at serious pinball enthusiasts. It's clear that Dewijngaert put his all into this design to make sure the playing experience is top notch and true to his classic full-size pinball machines.
Read: Raspberry Pi Pico RP2040 in a custom virtual pinball machine
Raspberry Pi Pico turns into a practical GPU
(Image credit: Element14)
Graphics cards can be expensive and difficult to obtain. Wouldn't it be easier if you could build your own using a $4 Raspberry Pi Pico? That's exactly what the team did again with Element14. Sure, it can't stand up to the latest RTX 4000 series GPUs, but that shouldn't be the case. This Pico graphics card is intended to work with small SBCs.
Why we like it:
This project is truly amazing from head to toe. I love everything about it, from the concept to the final design. Is it practical? In a sense. Is it cool? very. Projects like this raise the bar and make you say, “Why not?”
Read: Raspberry Pi Pico turned into a working GPU
Tom's Hardware Projects
As always, after covering all kinds of Pi projects for a month, I can't help but feel inspired. I also want to be able to tinker with the Pi and document the process so I can learn from home with a detailed guide.
How to overclock your Raspberry Pi 5 beyond 3 GHz
(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)
In this guide, Les shows you how to take your Pi 5 to new limits by overclocking it beyond 3GHz. If you don't know how to overclock, Les covers everything you need at each step, so it's a great place to start.
Read: How to overclock your Raspberry Pi 5 beyond 3 GHz