embedded systems

micro:bit & raspberry pi

The micro:bit is a compact, versatile microcontroller designed to simplify programming and digital creation. Widely used in education and rapid prototyping, it features an LED matrix, built-in sensors, and connectivity options that empower users to explore interactive projects and learn coding.

I utilized the Micro:bit to develop a moving robot arm, which is controlled via a dedicated remote and mobile app. Programmed in Python, this project demonstrated the device’s capacity for real-time control and automation, merging robotics with intuitive user interaction.

Micro:bit microcontroller board with LED matrix and sensors powering a robot arm
Python-programmed robot arm controlled by Micro:bit with remote control and mobile app integration
Picture 1: A Micro:bit board powering a robot arm. Picture 2: A Python-programmed Micro:bit in action, controlling a robot arm through an attached remote and mobile app.

Currently, I am expanding my exploration of the micro:bit’s capabilities by developing methods to collect real time data using its sensors. This initiative is aimed at gathering rich datasets to train advanced AI models.

The Raspberry Pi is a compact, low-power single-board computer. Its affordability, versatility, and strong community support have made it a popular among hobbyists and learners for a multitude of DIY, educational, and IoT projects.

I utilized the Raspberry Pi zero capabilities to transform it into a network-wide ad blocker through the Pi-hole project. By configuring it as a DNS sinkhole, I intercepted and filtered out unwanted advertisements and tracking domains before they reached my devices. This approach resulted in a cleaner, faster, and more secure browsing experience, while also reducing overall bandwidth consumption and boosting network performance.

Raspberry Pi Zero single-board computer showcasing compact low-power computing capabilities
Pi-hole dashboard showing network-wide ad blocking statistics and DNS filtering configuration
Picture 1: A Raspberry Pi Zero board, showcasing compact yet powerful computing. Picture 2: A screenshot of the Pi-hole setup, effectively blocking ads and filtering network traffic.