2022 Cyberdeck Contest: The Black Beast Will Assist You Survive A Robotic Apocalypse

September 5, 2022

With AI programs getting smarter daily, one may surprise if they could sometime evolve right into a sentient Skynet-like system and attempt to take over the world. We’re undecided how shut we’re to such a scenario, however we do know that if the robotic apocalypse had been to occur, we’d need to keep near [LordOfAllThings], who would possible be carrying the Black Beast. This scary-sounding machine is in essence a Raspberry Pi-based moveable pc constructed inside an outside carrying case, with a variety of bizarre peripherals that make it the digital equal of a Swiss military knife. In different phrases, it’s a cyberdeck constructed for finish occasions — and no matter comes after.

For instance, an array of ESP32-based modules plus an SDR module permit you to intercept and analyze hostile robots’ communications, whether or not they’re utilizing Bluetooth, WiFi, LoRaWAN, or something within the 433 or 868 MHz ranges. An FM transmitter is useful for reaching out to fellow residents who’re trapped with nothing greater than an analog radio receiver, whereas a set of environmental sensors (together with a Geiger counter) ought to assist decide if Skynet has launched any dangerous substances to flush out these previous couple of pesky people. (Ed. observe: No marigolds within the promised land and all that.)

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Should you handle to discover a wired Ethernet connection someplace, a built-in five-port gigabit router enables you to arrange a neighborhood community, clearly with a customized community analyzer to detect any undesirable intrusions. A storage compartment accommodates each type of cable you might want, in addition to helpful devices like flashlights and, certainly, an precise Swiss military knife.

Naturally, the Black Beast may be run from any energy supply you may encounter, starting from varied AC mains voltages to the 12~48 V DC present in automobile batteries and photo voltaic panels. A built-in 12 Ah lead-acid battery provides it fairly a little bit of autonomy as properly: a variety of voltage and present screens, in addition to a intelligent energy distribution system show you how to to handle energy flows all through the Black Beast.

The principle consumer interfaces linked to the Pi are a ten.1″ full-HD monitor and a Logitech K400 keyboard/contact pad unit. The entire elements are constructed into 3D-printed plug-in modules that neatly match inside customized slots within the carrying case.

STL recordsdata and an intensive element checklist can be found in case you’d prefer to construct your individual; other than apocalyptic situations, such a machine would positively be helpful for issues like upkeep and debugging of equipment out within the area.

There will likely be others on the market with rugged Raspberry Pi portables: the Militarish Pi as an example, or this waterproof SDR machine. If it’s primarily wi-fi gremlins that you simply’re nervous about, then the Pwnton Pack may additionally be helpful.