This scary Raspberry Pi bat flies around when people are nearby
Originally published on tomshardware.com by Ash Hill on 27 October 2024
Halloween projects with the Ruiz brothers are always a treat, and their latest Raspberry Pi-powered fluttering bat is no exception. In this playful build, a small bat spins and flaps its wings in response to nearby movement, creating an eerie effect that’s perfect for Halloween decor. While still in prototype form, the setup includes a stand housing all the components, a cable with the lightweight bat attached, and a sensor to detect motion. When activated, the bat moves in a circular pattern, causing its wings to wiggle for a lifelike fluttering effect.

The core of the project is the Adafruit Prop Maker Feather RP2040, which controls a servo motor to spin the bat. The setup is 3D-printable, allowing makers to adjust designs to match their Halloween decor or even adapt it for other occasions. For example, a Santa hat can transform it into a festive “Nightmare Before Christmas” bat, or a bee or butterfly could make it fit right in with a springtime theme.
The Ruiz brothers plan to release project files and code on Adafruit’s website, making it easy for makers to create their own fluttering decorations. For a closer look, their YouTube channel offers demos and other fun Pi-powered Halloween projects, including a spooky Ikea lamp transformation that adds a dynamic, interactive touch to holiday displays.
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