Reader Input
Notes from readers like you.Page 05
Make: Volume 63 — AI or Die
Artificial intelligence will power the next generation of inventions, and we want it to be accessible to everyone. In this issue, we look at AI-focused, maker-accessible boards that are pushing the AI world forward; and we show how you can use AI tools in your next project. We also look at the latest electronics prototyping tools from companies like Texas Instruments, Adafruit, SparkFun, and more. Our Board Guide will help you spec out the perfect brain for your project.
You’ll also find 15 projects in this issue, including:
- Shoot-and-print photos with an adorable SelfieBot
- Construct a DIY waterjet cutter for under $1,500
- Build a scanner to spot gas station credit card skimmers
- Create custom swag with a desktop cutter
- and more!
ON THE COVER: Lisa and Mike Winter face off in a robot battle of machine vs. human control
Table of Contents
Columns
Welcome: DIY AI
Dale Dougherty
Successful machine learning is based on experiential learning, the same kind that we recognize in makers.Page 06
Made on Earth
Backyard builds from around the globe.Page 08
Features
Where There’s Smoke
Jordan Ramèe
The Flaming Lotus Girls’ dazzling oversized art has been firing up crowds for 18 years.Page 14
Clothes Minded
Lee Wilkins
The wildly varying ideas between DIY and consumer “wearable electronics” need to converge. Page 16
Cardboard Control
Marc de Vinck
Combining analog making with digital play, Nintendo Labo celebrates the joy of discoveryPage 18
Maker ProFile: Tailoring Tech
DC Denison
MakeFashion inspires women to challenge the status quo of wearables.Page 19
Get Smart
Get Smart
Carol Reiley
New AI-capable boards are ready to power the next generation of maker inventions, and now is the perfect time to get started.Page 20
How to Build an AI Robot
Mike Winter
Want your hightech project to gain intelligence? This overview explains the steps.Page 22
Metal Meets Mettle
Lisa Winter
Lisa Winter uses decades of bot battle experience to help save the world.Page 26
Rochambeau Bot
Greg Voronin
Teach your Mycroft Mark 1 voice assistant to engage in the oldest game on the playground.Page 28
The Standouts
Kelly Egan, Melissa Lamoreaux, Heidi Hinkel, and Matt Stultz
Need a solid controller for your next project? Keep these new boards on your radar.Page 30
Blastoff with LaunchPad
Trey German
Get to know the Texas Instruments microcontrollers.Page 34
Brains on Board
Kelly Egan
These three kits can help connect your electronics project to powerful AI.Page 36
Follow the Leader
Mike Senese
An array of sensors and a powerful but makerfriendly brain let the Skydio R1 drone track you anywhere. Page 38
Projects
Photo Op SelfieBot
Sophy Wong
Shoot and instantly print images with this adorable camera.Page 40
Skim Scam Scanner
Tyler Winegarner
Build a dashboard gadget that scans constantly for potential gas pump card skimmers.Page 44
Hue’ve Got the Look
Angela Sheehan
Control the color of these LED party shoes and matching bracelet wirelessly with Adafruit’s handy app.Page 46
Hella Fast Holograms
John Lovine
Use a laser and special film to create your own instant 3D images.Page 50
Get Your Motor Runnin’
Gordon McComb
Beginners, start using electric motors for real robots!Page 54
Amateur Scientist: Mini Distance Detectors
Forrest M. Mims III
Two tiny IR sensors that let your project locate nearby objects.Page 56
Save Face
Glen Scott
Hold wood trim to the face of a workpiece with this clever bar clamp attachment.Page 60
Electronic Fun and Fundamentals: A Logical Oscillator
Charles Platt
Skip the 555 and create audio frequencies using an inverter chip instead.Page 62
OpenBraille
Carlos Campos
Construct a braille embosser for a fraction of the cost of commercial machines.Page 66
True Grit
Ben Krasnow
Build an abrasive waterjet cutter from a home pressure washer for under $1,500.Page 68
Skill Builder
Tablet Teardown
Micah Scott
Just what’s inside those Wacoms and Huions, and how can you use them in projects?Page 70
Short Cuts
Jeremy S. Cook, Illustrated by Shing Yin Khar
Tips and tricks for getting the most out of your miter saw..Page 72
Stick Out
Hep Svadja
Create custom sticker swag with a desktop cutter.Page 74
ToolBox
ToolBox
Gear up with reviews of the latest tools and kits for makers.Page 78
Show & Tell
Show & Tell
Dazzling projects from inventive makers like you.Page 80
