Pi Zero to AR: Building DIY Augmented Reality Glasses
Originally published on hackaday.com by Heidi Ulrich on 4 November 2024
Redditor mi_kotalik has developed “Zero,” an affordable pair of DIY augmented reality (AR) glasses powered by a Raspberry Pi Zero. His AR setup includes essential features like video playback, Bluetooth audio, a teleprompter, and an image viewer. Designed for self-contained AR experimentation on a budget, Zero provides a versatile way to explore tech boundaries without expensive hardware. The original Reddit post offers videos, a build log, and documentation links for those interested in the process.
Creating Zero was no easy feat. mi_kotalik designed the frame using Tinkercad, initially experimenting with transparent PETG for lenses but eventually shifting to resin-cast lenses for clarity. Optimizing SPI displays to 60 FPS gave Zero real-time responsiveness, making AR interactions fluid despite the Pi Zero’s limitations. These efforts let him run a range of AR functions effectively, though power constraints were a challenge throughout development.
For future versions, mi_kotalik is considering using a Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4 to enable advanced features like 3D rendering, GPS, and spatial tracking. Zero not only pushes the limits of DIY AR but also offers an affordable and accessible alternative, especially significant in light of recent news of major AR projects from Meta and Apple being put on hold.
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