Pi Zero To AR: Building DIY Augmented Reality Glasses

[miko_tarik] wearing diy AR goggles in futuristic setting

If you’re into pushing tech boundaries from home, this one’s for you. Redditor [mi_kotalik] has crafted ‘Zero’, a custom pair of DIY augmented reality (AR) glasses using a Raspberry Pi Zero. Designed as an affordable, self-contained device for displaying simple AR functions, Zero allows him to experiment without breaking the bank. With features like video playback, Bluetooth audio, a teleprompter, and an image viewer, Zero is a testament to what can be done with determination and creativity on a budget. The original Reddit thread includes videos, a build log, and links to documentation on X, giving you an in-depth look into [mi_kotalik]’s journey. Take a sneak peek through the lens here.

[miko_tarik] wearing diy AR gogglesCreating Zero wasn’t simple. From designing the frame in Tinkercad to experimenting with transparent PETG to print lenses (ultimately switching to resin-cast lenses), [mi_kotalik] faced plenty of challenges. By customizing SPI displays and optimizing them to 60 FPS, he achieved an impressive level of real-time responsiveness, allowing him to explore AR interactions like never before. While the Raspberry Pi Zero’s power is limited, [mi_kotalik] is already planning a V2 with a Compute Module 4 to enable 3D rendering, GPS, and spatial tracking.

Zero is an inspiring example for tinkerers hoping to make AR tech more accessible, especially after the fresh news of both Meta and Apple cancelling their attempts to venture in the world of AR. If you are into AR and eager to learn from an original project like this one, check out the full Reddit thread and explore Hackaday’s past coverage on augmented reality experiments.

9 thoughts on “Pi Zero To AR: Building DIY Augmented Reality Glasses

      1. Why? The processes for making good quality lenses have existed for well over a century, and are very well documented. If you don’t have the knowledge or expertise to make them yet, both are easy to acquire. If you choose not to make that modest investment then there is no shortage of suppliers of any kind of lens you wish, often quickly, cheaply, or both.

        There’s no excuse to be stuck with crappy lenses, unless you want to prove a point, or are calling it ‘Art’, or just like self-flagellation.

        But I’ll give benefit of doubt and assume those lenticular things are just a temporary stand-ins while decent lenses come in or he learns how to design an optical system and make decent lenses. Judging by the narrative in his posts, he has been focusing (har) on other things.

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