2026 is shaping up to be the year DIY electronics goes near mainstream. More makers are building their own gadgets instead of buying from big tech companies — and the open-source community is making it easier than ever. 🔧

Here's a roundup of open-source gadgets worth checking out:

1. Dream Recorder — Record Your Dreams with a Raspberry Pi

Made by Netherlands studio Modem , the Dream Recorder is exactly what it sounds like — a device that captures your dreams and turns them into AI-generated videos. Built around a Raspberry Pi + LCD Display with just 14 components.

Wake up, record what you dreamed about, and the system spits out an AI-generated clip. All CAD files, software, and assembly instructions are on GitHub — completely free.

2. Terra — AI Compass Built on ESP32 for Phone-Free Walks

Another Modem project, this time with Panter & Tourron. Terra is a palm-sized digital compass that uses an ESP32 microcontroller at its core.…