In this issue of Make: we make friends — literally! Build your own companion robot with a Raspberry Pi 5, and then give it a voice using AI and a large language model (LLM) running locally. No internet required! Or keep it simple and build a friendly bot with a micro:bit and a few servos.
Next, get an overview of the latest new dev boards, including offerings from Adafruit, Seeed, Sparkfun, Pimoroni, and more, that use Raspberry Pi’s second-gen, double dual-core RP2350 chip. And, get started with new Arduino libraries and example projects for cheap ESP32+LCD boards.
Special Bonus — Make: Guide to Boards 2025
You know Raspberry Pi and Arduino, but the waters run deep for microcontrollers and single board computers. From onboard screens, to WiFi and Bluetooth, to AI capabilities, we show you 77 new boards that have exactly what you’re looking for to power your next project.
Plus, 38+ projects:
- Embed tiny mirrors and mesh into your 3D prints to create sparkling fabrics
- Get the perfect pitch with an autotune kazoo
- Make a battery using your favorite sports drink
- Laser cut a creative ski chalet birdhouse for your feathered friends
- Use an Arduino for professional looking DMX lighting
- Make a walk-in camera obscura to project the outside world inside (and upside down)
- Expose spy tech with the budget K18 Bug Detector
- And much more!
See more about this issue and subscribe or purchase PDF now.