Making an AI based os/kernel system
Im trying to find people to help in a project the concept is simple an open source os/kernel that use ai as it's center to translate everything including applications into usable apps on the os no more need for thousands of os like linux, android, windows, mac, ios etc... simply using that os as an unification system It need to be easy to install on anything be it a smartphone, computer, mac, etc... as the main os the ai at the center of the os should be allowed to incorporate api and other ai systems automatically into its reasoning and updating itself on security concerns and reasoning automatically it would also work as a node systems with offline capabilities where once a security risk is detected it transmit automatically to other users the fix which is then applied or not depending on user wants akin to any update systems The ai would be the translator, the security, etc... it would basically be the os and the kernel It will also be able to be used beyond devices like computers and into full robotic usage too you want to install it on a vr headset the ai detect the hardware download the needed translating layers adapt the api and core used etc... the os would be able to run everywhere a fridge, a roomba, a smartphone, everything and as open source
You can also directly query the ai at the center of the os using a chatbot system that also adapt depending on the hardware and based on your demand the os could modify itself based on your needs
For the name of the os I don't want it to be pretentious, complicated or weird and i certainly dont want it to look like it belong to someone so I want to keep it as "OS" or "AI OS"
In short I'm trying to find help to make the ultimate self learning os/kernel system using ai as it's center in open source format
I realize the implication of such a project yes it will take years, yes the kernel level will need to be hybrid at first and yes it's basically building skynet, etc... no need for condescending comment thank you for reading
https://redd.it/1n1835g
@r_opensource
Im trying to find people to help in a project the concept is simple an open source os/kernel that use ai as it's center to translate everything including applications into usable apps on the os no more need for thousands of os like linux, android, windows, mac, ios etc... simply using that os as an unification system It need to be easy to install on anything be it a smartphone, computer, mac, etc... as the main os the ai at the center of the os should be allowed to incorporate api and other ai systems automatically into its reasoning and updating itself on security concerns and reasoning automatically it would also work as a node systems with offline capabilities where once a security risk is detected it transmit automatically to other users the fix which is then applied or not depending on user wants akin to any update systems The ai would be the translator, the security, etc... it would basically be the os and the kernel It will also be able to be used beyond devices like computers and into full robotic usage too you want to install it on a vr headset the ai detect the hardware download the needed translating layers adapt the api and core used etc... the os would be able to run everywhere a fridge, a roomba, a smartphone, everything and as open source
You can also directly query the ai at the center of the os using a chatbot system that also adapt depending on the hardware and based on your demand the os could modify itself based on your needs
For the name of the os I don't want it to be pretentious, complicated or weird and i certainly dont want it to look like it belong to someone so I want to keep it as "OS" or "AI OS"
In short I'm trying to find help to make the ultimate self learning os/kernel system using ai as it's center in open source format
I realize the implication of such a project yes it will take years, yes the kernel level will need to be hybrid at first and yes it's basically building skynet, etc... no need for condescending comment thank you for reading
https://redd.it/1n1835g
@r_opensource
Reddit
From the opensource community on Reddit
Explore this post and more from the opensource community
An open source overlay application I've been working on that makes it easy to sync looping animations up to music!
https://youtu.be/WTXo8VcWMr8
https://redd.it/1n18lgl
@r_opensource
https://youtu.be/WTXo8VcWMr8
https://redd.it/1n18lgl
@r_opensource
YouTube
Using BPMOverlay to sync looping animations to music
Download it here!
https://github.com/timmythetrtl/BPMOverlay
Music used:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WBmC0ZIRaXQ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GPL5Hkl11IQ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9oDZ2vN9XF0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z01Tsgwe2dQ
Also…
https://github.com/timmythetrtl/BPMOverlay
Music used:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WBmC0ZIRaXQ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GPL5Hkl11IQ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9oDZ2vN9XF0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z01Tsgwe2dQ
Also…
How to start contributing to open source?
I am a frontend developer with around 2.5 years of experience and I want to start contributing to open source but don't know where to start. Any ideas?
https://redd.it/1n19uu4
@r_opensource
I am a frontend developer with around 2.5 years of experience and I want to start contributing to open source but don't know where to start. Any ideas?
https://redd.it/1n19uu4
@r_opensource
Reddit
From the opensource community on Reddit
Explore this post and more from the opensource community
Need feedback on my own search engine!
Hi everyone!
I've been trying to build a search engine, for people to use as an alternative to already open source search engines like SearX, or as an alternative for privacy conscious ones like DDG or Startpage, and I need your reviews and feedback to improve it! :)
I'm trying to be focused on bringing the open source benefits of SearX, and modern UI's and features like DDG-like search engines. We have AI summaries for search queries, beautiful widgets for Wikipedia, in-search Video and News recommendations and a few more services that I believe you guys will love!
It has been a few months since I've started, feedback and suggestions were mostly from some local communities interested in this topic, and I want to make it a bit more recognized in the internet.
Feel free to criticize! You can reply to this post or use the feedback button at the right corner of the search tab. Thank you!
Site: https://tekir.co
Source: https://github.com/computebaker/tekir
https://redd.it/1n1cdgb
@r_opensource
Hi everyone!
I've been trying to build a search engine, for people to use as an alternative to already open source search engines like SearX, or as an alternative for privacy conscious ones like DDG or Startpage, and I need your reviews and feedback to improve it! :)
I'm trying to be focused on bringing the open source benefits of SearX, and modern UI's and features like DDG-like search engines. We have AI summaries for search queries, beautiful widgets for Wikipedia, in-search Video and News recommendations and a few more services that I believe you guys will love!
It has been a few months since I've started, feedback and suggestions were mostly from some local communities interested in this topic, and I want to make it a bit more recognized in the internet.
Feel free to criticize! You can reply to this post or use the feedback button at the right corner of the search tab. Thank you!
Site: https://tekir.co
Source: https://github.com/computebaker/tekir
https://redd.it/1n1cdgb
@r_opensource
Call for contributors, testers & feedback on Watchflow – Agentic GitHub Guardrails
Meet Watchflow - Agentic Github Guardrails!
It’s early-stage and not yet production-hardened, but it’s already functional and covers key features especially around workflow governance.
We’d love help from the community - whether you want to:
* Contribute code (Python, LangChain/LangGraph)
* Test workflows and share feedback
* Explore GitHub protection rules and governance in plain language
You can define GitHub protection rules in natural language and enforce them in real time via YAML. We’re eager to hear from solo devs, teams, or anyone curious about workflow guardrails.
https://github.com/warestack/watchflow
https://watchflow.dev/
https://redd.it/1n1c3k8
@r_opensource
Meet Watchflow - Agentic Github Guardrails!
It’s early-stage and not yet production-hardened, but it’s already functional and covers key features especially around workflow governance.
We’d love help from the community - whether you want to:
* Contribute code (Python, LangChain/LangGraph)
* Test workflows and share feedback
* Explore GitHub protection rules and governance in plain language
You can define GitHub protection rules in natural language and enforce them in real time via YAML. We’re eager to hear from solo devs, teams, or anyone curious about workflow guardrails.
https://github.com/warestack/watchflow
https://watchflow.dev/
https://redd.it/1n1c3k8
@r_opensource
GitHub
GitHub - warestack/watchflow: Agentic GitHub Guardrails - Replace static protection rules with context-aware enforcement.
Agentic GitHub Guardrails - Replace static protection rules with context-aware enforcement. - warestack/watchflow
16 Open-Source alternatives to LambdaTest Kane AI for affordable browser testing
https://bug0.com/blog/16-open-source-alternatives-to-lambdatest-kane-ai-for-affordable-browser-testing
https://redd.it/1n1eq45
@r_opensource
https://bug0.com/blog/16-open-source-alternatives-to-lambdatest-kane-ai-for-affordable-browser-testing
https://redd.it/1n1eq45
@r_opensource
Bug0
16 Open-Source Alternatives to LambdaTest Kane AI for Affordable Browser Testing
Explore 16 open-source alternatives to LambdaTest Kane AI that deliver AI-powered browser testing and automation without six-figure enterprise costs.
Why Open Source API Testing Tools Are Gaining So Much Momentum?
In recent years, developer processes to test and ship software have been evolving rapidly. In the past, large enterprises utilized commercial, expensive proprietary suites for testing software; we are now seeing an emergence of open source API testing tools, which is not just about saving money.
There are a few reasons why they are on the rise:
Community driven: Open source tools are improved consistently by thousands of contributors across the world. Bugs are fixed quickly, integrations are added rapidly, and capabilities are developed faster than a vendor could ever deliver.
Transparency & Trust: Since source code is publicly accessible, teams can trust and validate what is under the hood, this is significant especially concerning security and compliance.
API First: In a world where product development and architecture prioritizes micro services or API first, testing APIs at the level of performance testing, contract testing, or uptime monitoring becomes more mission-critical. Open source tools shine in these aspects because they evolve the fastest in this environment.
Value and Flexibility: Instead of being beholden to a vendor's ecosystem, dev teams can evolve open source tools with their stack as they scale.
What's also cool is that open source projects are not just closing the gap -- in many cases have become even better, more reliable and easier to use than the proprietary options. Many modern day QA teams are blending open source frameworks (like Playwright, Cypress or Postman's open tooling) with lightweight AI powered helpers for test generation and self-healing, taking repetitive tasks off their plates.
Again, it leads to the larger question: as automating software testing becomes more prevalent, and open source tooling is advancing at such a rapid pace, could we be at a point where community-built products establish standards for enterprise-grade software testing?
I'd love to hear from folks here:
1. Are you using open source tooling for testing APIs?
2. What has been the impact, if any, on the reliability and speed of the testing for your teams?
3. Where do you still find proprietary tooling to have an advantage?
https://redd.it/1n1g8rb
@r_opensource
In recent years, developer processes to test and ship software have been evolving rapidly. In the past, large enterprises utilized commercial, expensive proprietary suites for testing software; we are now seeing an emergence of open source API testing tools, which is not just about saving money.
There are a few reasons why they are on the rise:
Community driven: Open source tools are improved consistently by thousands of contributors across the world. Bugs are fixed quickly, integrations are added rapidly, and capabilities are developed faster than a vendor could ever deliver.
Transparency & Trust: Since source code is publicly accessible, teams can trust and validate what is under the hood, this is significant especially concerning security and compliance.
API First: In a world where product development and architecture prioritizes micro services or API first, testing APIs at the level of performance testing, contract testing, or uptime monitoring becomes more mission-critical. Open source tools shine in these aspects because they evolve the fastest in this environment.
Value and Flexibility: Instead of being beholden to a vendor's ecosystem, dev teams can evolve open source tools with their stack as they scale.
What's also cool is that open source projects are not just closing the gap -- in many cases have become even better, more reliable and easier to use than the proprietary options. Many modern day QA teams are blending open source frameworks (like Playwright, Cypress or Postman's open tooling) with lightweight AI powered helpers for test generation and self-healing, taking repetitive tasks off their plates.
Again, it leads to the larger question: as automating software testing becomes more prevalent, and open source tooling is advancing at such a rapid pace, could we be at a point where community-built products establish standards for enterprise-grade software testing?
I'd love to hear from folks here:
1. Are you using open source tooling for testing APIs?
2. What has been the impact, if any, on the reliability and speed of the testing for your teams?
3. Where do you still find proprietary tooling to have an advantage?
https://redd.it/1n1g8rb
@r_opensource
Reddit
From the opensource community on Reddit
Explore this post and more from the opensource community
http-shadower: open source app to replicate production traffic to lower environments
Just wanted to share a small project that I built in case it is useful for anyone.
https://github.com/MugenTwo/http-shadower
HTTP Shadower is a Spring Boot application that intercepts production HTTP requests and intelligently forwards them to multiple environments (DEV/ITG/STAGE) while ensuring your users always receive responses from your production system.
Common Use Cases
1. Staging Environment Validation.
Forward 100% of production API traffic to your staging environment to ensure it handles real-world scenarios before deployment.
2. New Feature Testing.
Deploy new features to a separate environment and shadow production traffic to validate behavior without risking user experience.
3. Database Migration Testing.
Test database schema changes against real query patterns by forwarding production traffic to environments with new database structures.
4. Load Testing with Real Patterns.
Use actual production traffic patterns and volumes to load test your infrastructure instead of artificial load testing tools.
5. API Version Compatibility.
Ensure new API versions are compatible with existing clients by forwarding real client requests to both old and new API versions.
https://redd.it/1n1hp26
@r_opensource
Just wanted to share a small project that I built in case it is useful for anyone.
https://github.com/MugenTwo/http-shadower
HTTP Shadower is a Spring Boot application that intercepts production HTTP requests and intelligently forwards them to multiple environments (DEV/ITG/STAGE) while ensuring your users always receive responses from your production system.
Common Use Cases
1. Staging Environment Validation.
Forward 100% of production API traffic to your staging environment to ensure it handles real-world scenarios before deployment.
2. New Feature Testing.
Deploy new features to a separate environment and shadow production traffic to validate behavior without risking user experience.
3. Database Migration Testing.
Test database schema changes against real query patterns by forwarding production traffic to environments with new database structures.
4. Load Testing with Real Patterns.
Use actual production traffic patterns and volumes to load test your infrastructure instead of artificial load testing tools.
5. API Version Compatibility.
Ensure new API versions are compatible with existing clients by forwarding real client requests to both old and new API versions.
https://redd.it/1n1hp26
@r_opensource
GitHub
GitHub - MugenTwo/http-shadower: HTTP Shadower is a Spring Boot application that intercepts production HTTP requests and intelligently…
HTTP Shadower is a Spring Boot application that intercepts production HTTP requests and intelligently forwards them to multiple environments (DEV/ITG/STAGE) while ensuring your users always receive...
Decentralized Operating System
Hey guys, I've been working on a new protocol called the Marketplace which is a decentralized operating system that co-ordinates and economizes the execution of computational work across a peer-to-peer network of nodes. Where there is no barrier to the node participation.
Unlike proof-of-work systems, where nodes burn large amounts of energy to solve "non-useful" puzzles, the Marketplace organizes a peer-to-peer market of computational trade where nodes offload useful computational work called "jobs" directly to each other and pays in the system's native cryptocurrency, goldcoin(GDC). Effectively redirecting energy into real economic growth.
Security without "Staking" is achieved using Proof-of-Capability (PoC), a new "sybil-resistant" mechanism that selects and incentivizes a small committee (“whiterooms”) to validate and reach consensus on the result of jobs without boggling down the entire network with redundant execution. This allows the amount of jobs handled in parallel to scale directly with the amount of nodes on the network analogous to an OS on a multi-core device.
Real utility then comes from the "services layer" where nodes can compose stalls(modular services) into larger digital structures(e.g websites), and execute them regardless of size in near constant time by taking advantage of the parallel execution environment of the marketplace. The system’s monetary policy dynamically adjusts issuance such that price of execution is constant regardless of network load.
Whitepaper (PDF):
https://github.com/bajoescience/Marketplace/blob/master/Whitepaper.pdf
I’d appreciate feedback on the design, especially on consensus security and
the economic model, Thanks.
https://redd.it/1n1jc7i
@r_opensource
Hey guys, I've been working on a new protocol called the Marketplace which is a decentralized operating system that co-ordinates and economizes the execution of computational work across a peer-to-peer network of nodes. Where there is no barrier to the node participation.
Unlike proof-of-work systems, where nodes burn large amounts of energy to solve "non-useful" puzzles, the Marketplace organizes a peer-to-peer market of computational trade where nodes offload useful computational work called "jobs" directly to each other and pays in the system's native cryptocurrency, goldcoin(GDC). Effectively redirecting energy into real economic growth.
Security without "Staking" is achieved using Proof-of-Capability (PoC), a new "sybil-resistant" mechanism that selects and incentivizes a small committee (“whiterooms”) to validate and reach consensus on the result of jobs without boggling down the entire network with redundant execution. This allows the amount of jobs handled in parallel to scale directly with the amount of nodes on the network analogous to an OS on a multi-core device.
Real utility then comes from the "services layer" where nodes can compose stalls(modular services) into larger digital structures(e.g websites), and execute them regardless of size in near constant time by taking advantage of the parallel execution environment of the marketplace. The system’s monetary policy dynamically adjusts issuance such that price of execution is constant regardless of network load.
Whitepaper (PDF):
https://github.com/bajoescience/Marketplace/blob/master/Whitepaper.pdf
I’d appreciate feedback on the design, especially on consensus security and
the economic model, Thanks.
https://redd.it/1n1jc7i
@r_opensource
GitHub
Marketplace/Whitepaper.pdf at master · bajoescience/Marketplace
A decentralized compute network that enables devices to perform computational work for one another in exchange for value. - bajoescience/Marketplace
How do I implement a custom log storage system? something similar to grafana loki
I am building a software system and one of the features it requires is log storage and having the ability to query those logs, just like Grafana loki does. Do to organisation policy, using Loki or any external log storage system is not an option.
Anyone have an idea on how i can do this?
https://redd.it/1n1g29f
@r_opensource
I am building a software system and one of the features it requires is log storage and having the ability to query those logs, just like Grafana loki does. Do to organisation policy, using Loki or any external log storage system is not an option.
Anyone have an idea on how i can do this?
https://redd.it/1n1g29f
@r_opensource
Reddit
From the opensource community on Reddit
Explore this post and more from the opensource community
Testing waters: what do you think of my open source karting project?
Hello,
I have recently started an open source project, more specifically a karting game similar to Mario Kart (arcade physics, items, etc.). I know that Super Tux Kart exists, but wanted to create my own, experimenting with game design.
The most prominent characteristic is that all races are based off Open Street Map. Which means you race into existing places reconstructed and remodeled using topologic and OSM data.
I'll continue working on it because it is fun and extracts me a bit off life chaos, though probably less as I also have another project to maintain (that I need for myself to be updated).
I was just curious about what people think of the idea. Notably to know if developing multiplayer is worth the hassle if I'll ever be playing alone.
There is only a Windows build for now but I want to support Linux and Android as well. Still, it is a Godot project, so it should be easily run from source.
I am also open to feedback regarding the overall project structure.
Repo: https://github.com/Picorims/open-street-kart
Video: https://youtu.be/keJRGv7oMgU
Thanks for reading.
https://redd.it/1n1mz45
@r_opensource
Hello,
I have recently started an open source project, more specifically a karting game similar to Mario Kart (arcade physics, items, etc.). I know that Super Tux Kart exists, but wanted to create my own, experimenting with game design.
The most prominent characteristic is that all races are based off Open Street Map. Which means you race into existing places reconstructed and remodeled using topologic and OSM data.
I'll continue working on it because it is fun and extracts me a bit off life chaos, though probably less as I also have another project to maintain (that I need for myself to be updated).
I was just curious about what people think of the idea. Notably to know if developing multiplayer is worth the hassle if I'll ever be playing alone.
There is only a Windows build for now but I want to support Linux and Android as well. Still, it is a Godot project, so it should be easily run from source.
I am also open to feedback regarding the overall project structure.
Repo: https://github.com/Picorims/open-street-kart
Video: https://youtu.be/keJRGv7oMgU
Thanks for reading.
https://redd.it/1n1mz45
@r_opensource
GitHub
GitHub - Picorims/open-street-kart: Open Street Kart is an arcade kart game where you race in real life areas reconstructed from…
Open Street Kart is an arcade kart game where you race in real life areas reconstructed from Open Street Map - Picorims/open-street-kart
I built an open-source CSV importer that I wish existed
Hey y'all,
I have been working on an open source CSV importer that also incorporates LLMs to make the csv onboarding process more seamless.
At my previous startup, CSV import was make-or-break for customer onboarding. We built the first version in three days.
Then reality hit: Windows-1252 encoding, European date formats, embedded newlines, phone numbers in five different formats.
We rebuilt that importer multiples over the next six months. Our onboarding completion rate dropped 40% at the import step because users couldn't fix errors without starting over.
The real problem isn't parsing (PapaParse is excellent). It's everything after: mapping "Customer Email" to your "email" field, validating business rules, and letting users fix errors inline.
Flatfile and OneSchema solve this but won't show pricing publicly. Most open source tools only handle pieces of the workflow.
ImportCSV handles the complete flow: Upload → Parse → Map → Validate → Transform → Preview → Submit.
Everything runs client-side by default. Your data never leaves the browser. This is critical for sensitive customer data - you can audit the code, self-host, and guarantee that PII stays on your infrastructure.
The frontend is MIT licensed.
Technical approach
We use fuzzy matching + sample data analysis for column mapping. If a column contains @ symbols, it's probably email.
For validation errors, users can fix them inline in a spreadsheet interface - no need to edit the CSV and start over. Virtual scrolling (@tanstack/react-virtual) handles 100,000+ rows smoothly.
The interesting part: when AI is enabled, GPT-4.1 maps columns accurately and enables natural language transforms like "fix all phone numbers" or "split full names into first and last". LLMs are good at understanding messy, semi-structured data.
GitHub: https://github.com/importcsv/importcsv
Playground: https://docs.importcsv.com/playground
Demo (90 sec): https://youtube.com/shorts/Of4D85txm30
What's the worst CSV you've had to import?
https://redd.it/1n1nbub
@r_opensource
Hey y'all,
I have been working on an open source CSV importer that also incorporates LLMs to make the csv onboarding process more seamless.
At my previous startup, CSV import was make-or-break for customer onboarding. We built the first version in three days.
Then reality hit: Windows-1252 encoding, European date formats, embedded newlines, phone numbers in five different formats.
We rebuilt that importer multiples over the next six months. Our onboarding completion rate dropped 40% at the import step because users couldn't fix errors without starting over.
The real problem isn't parsing (PapaParse is excellent). It's everything after: mapping "Customer Email" to your "email" field, validating business rules, and letting users fix errors inline.
Flatfile and OneSchema solve this but won't show pricing publicly. Most open source tools only handle pieces of the workflow.
ImportCSV handles the complete flow: Upload → Parse → Map → Validate → Transform → Preview → Submit.
Everything runs client-side by default. Your data never leaves the browser. This is critical for sensitive customer data - you can audit the code, self-host, and guarantee that PII stays on your infrastructure.
The frontend is MIT licensed.
Technical approach
We use fuzzy matching + sample data analysis for column mapping. If a column contains @ symbols, it's probably email.
For validation errors, users can fix them inline in a spreadsheet interface - no need to edit the CSV and start over. Virtual scrolling (@tanstack/react-virtual) handles 100,000+ rows smoothly.
The interesting part: when AI is enabled, GPT-4.1 maps columns accurately and enables natural language transforms like "fix all phone numbers" or "split full names into first and last". LLMs are good at understanding messy, semi-structured data.
GitHub: https://github.com/importcsv/importcsv
Playground: https://docs.importcsv.com/playground
Demo (90 sec): https://youtube.com/shorts/Of4D85txm30
What's the worst CSV you've had to import?
https://redd.it/1n1nbub
@r_opensource
GitHub
GitHub - importcsv/importcsv: Open-source CSV Importer for React
Open-source CSV Importer for React. Contribute to importcsv/importcsv development by creating an account on GitHub.
We Built It, Then We Freed It: Telemetry Harbor Goes Open Source
https://telemetryharbor.com/blog/we-built-it-then-we-freed-it-telemetry-harbor-goes-open-source/
https://redd.it/1n1r6ru
@r_opensource
https://telemetryharbor.com/blog/we-built-it-then-we-freed-it-telemetry-harbor-goes-open-source/
https://redd.it/1n1r6ru
@r_opensource
PasteVault - encrypted paste sharing with pretty editor
https://github.com/arc53/pastevault
https://redd.it/1n1tyho
@r_opensource
https://github.com/arc53/pastevault
https://redd.it/1n1tyho
@r_opensource
GitHub
GitHub - arc53/pastevault: Modern secure pastebin with a VS Code-like editor. Share code, text, and markdown securely with automatic…
Modern secure pastebin with a VS Code-like editor. Share code, text, and markdown securely with automatic expiry and burn-after-read options. - arc53/pastevault
Made a Terminal Based Typing Speed Test
https://github.com/arjunsharmahehe/FastFingers
https://redd.it/1n1wmdv
@r_opensource
https://github.com/arjunsharmahehe/FastFingers
https://redd.it/1n1wmdv
@r_opensource
GitHub
GitHub - Arjunsharmahehe/FastFingers: A terminal based typing speed test
A terminal based typing speed test. Contribute to Arjunsharmahehe/FastFingers development by creating an account on GitHub.
Modular, open source Pi 5 desk companion and voice assistant — Companion, TheCube
# Hello All!
I wanted to share a project I’ve been working on for a while now: *Companion, TheCube* — a **desktop assistant powered by Raspberry Pi 5**. It’s designed as a desk companion that’s part productivity tool, part entertainment, and part “weird little friend.” I'm developing the software in the open, and the entire project is (or will be) opensource under the MIT license. See the links at the bottom of the post.
# Under the hood:
* **Pi 5 with up to 16GB RAM**
* **4" 720x720 LCD touchscreen**
* **mmWave presence sensor** (detects when you’re at your desk)
* **Wi-Fi + Bluetooth 5.0**
* **Stereo mics + speaker**
* **NFC support** for quick setup & expansion
* **Expansion ports** (HDMI, USB, I²C, SPI, UART, CAN bus, CSI/DSI, etc.)
* Stackable design with magnets + alignment nubs
It’s completely open source and modular. The idea is that you can tinker with both the hardware (print your own toppers, build expansion modules) and the software (write your own apps, modify the “personality sliders” that change how it interacts with you).
Right now I’ve got a working prototype — it boots, handles voice input, runs apps, and manages sensors. Next steps are polishing the app ecosystem and prepping for a Kickstarter launch.
# Software Stack
I’m building a **Linux-based core** on the Pi 5:
* **Raspberry Pi OS** Lite based
* **C++ Core** with JSON-RPC for app communication
* **App system**: each app runs sandboxed, communicates with the Core over a Unix socket
* **Voice pipeline**:
* Wake word → \[OpenWakeWord\]
* Speech-to-text → Whisper.cpp (local, efficient)
* Intent parsing → Function Registry (in development)
* TTS → local engine (cloud fallback optional via “TheCube+”)
* **Display rendering**: SDL2 (migrating from SFML) for smooth animations, character rendering, and UI
* **Notification system**: subscribes to calendar, email, and system alerts via Core APIs
The first “Hello World” I’m aiming for: say *“Hey Cube”*, it prints the trannoscript to the console, then displays a text bubble back on screen. From there, I’ll start layering in apps (Pomodoro timer, hydration reminders, simple games).
# Personality Layer
This is what makes TheCube more than “yet another Pi gadget.” You can adjust **personality sliders**:
* Playfulness
* Cheekiness
* Empathy
* Seriousness
* Responsiveness
Examples:
* High cheekiness → playful banter in responses.
* High empathy → Cube softens reminders if you sound stressed.
* Low responsiveness → Cube stays quiet unless it really needs your attention.
I’m also working on **character themes**:
* Default Cube face (two eyes + a mouth line)
* “Geo” (morphing geometric shapes)
* “Rawr” (low-poly dinosaur that cheers when you finish tasks)
* “Lil Flame” (a flickering flame that motivates and celebrates wins)
So depending on your mood, your Cube could be a calm mentor, a cheeky desk pet, or a productivity drill sergeant.
# Why Share Here?
This is still in **prototype stage**, but it’s already booting, running wake word + Whisper.cpp, and handling display animations. I’m now pulling together the app layer.
Since this is a Pi-based build, I figured this sub would have great feedback on:
* **Software architecture** — are there Pi libraries I should be leaning on more for display/audio?
* **Expansion ideas** — what ports or add-ons would you want in a modular Pi-based desk companion?
* **Community hacks** — what would you build if you had one of these on your desk?
The code is open source and available on Github. Design files will be posted there as well (I'm still working on finalizing the design). My hope is that this becomes not just a product but a **hackable platform** people can tinker with, mod, and extend.
# Links:
Github: [https://github.com/Companion-TheCube](https://github.com/Companion-TheCube)
Draft product page: [https://www.companionthecube.com/shop/companion-thecube-158](https://www.companionthecube.com/shop/companion-thecube-158)
Happy to answer questions or share technical
# Hello All!
I wanted to share a project I’ve been working on for a while now: *Companion, TheCube* — a **desktop assistant powered by Raspberry Pi 5**. It’s designed as a desk companion that’s part productivity tool, part entertainment, and part “weird little friend.” I'm developing the software in the open, and the entire project is (or will be) opensource under the MIT license. See the links at the bottom of the post.
# Under the hood:
* **Pi 5 with up to 16GB RAM**
* **4" 720x720 LCD touchscreen**
* **mmWave presence sensor** (detects when you’re at your desk)
* **Wi-Fi + Bluetooth 5.0**
* **Stereo mics + speaker**
* **NFC support** for quick setup & expansion
* **Expansion ports** (HDMI, USB, I²C, SPI, UART, CAN bus, CSI/DSI, etc.)
* Stackable design with magnets + alignment nubs
It’s completely open source and modular. The idea is that you can tinker with both the hardware (print your own toppers, build expansion modules) and the software (write your own apps, modify the “personality sliders” that change how it interacts with you).
Right now I’ve got a working prototype — it boots, handles voice input, runs apps, and manages sensors. Next steps are polishing the app ecosystem and prepping for a Kickstarter launch.
# Software Stack
I’m building a **Linux-based core** on the Pi 5:
* **Raspberry Pi OS** Lite based
* **C++ Core** with JSON-RPC for app communication
* **App system**: each app runs sandboxed, communicates with the Core over a Unix socket
* **Voice pipeline**:
* Wake word → \[OpenWakeWord\]
* Speech-to-text → Whisper.cpp (local, efficient)
* Intent parsing → Function Registry (in development)
* TTS → local engine (cloud fallback optional via “TheCube+”)
* **Display rendering**: SDL2 (migrating from SFML) for smooth animations, character rendering, and UI
* **Notification system**: subscribes to calendar, email, and system alerts via Core APIs
The first “Hello World” I’m aiming for: say *“Hey Cube”*, it prints the trannoscript to the console, then displays a text bubble back on screen. From there, I’ll start layering in apps (Pomodoro timer, hydration reminders, simple games).
# Personality Layer
This is what makes TheCube more than “yet another Pi gadget.” You can adjust **personality sliders**:
* Playfulness
* Cheekiness
* Empathy
* Seriousness
* Responsiveness
Examples:
* High cheekiness → playful banter in responses.
* High empathy → Cube softens reminders if you sound stressed.
* Low responsiveness → Cube stays quiet unless it really needs your attention.
I’m also working on **character themes**:
* Default Cube face (two eyes + a mouth line)
* “Geo” (morphing geometric shapes)
* “Rawr” (low-poly dinosaur that cheers when you finish tasks)
* “Lil Flame” (a flickering flame that motivates and celebrates wins)
So depending on your mood, your Cube could be a calm mentor, a cheeky desk pet, or a productivity drill sergeant.
# Why Share Here?
This is still in **prototype stage**, but it’s already booting, running wake word + Whisper.cpp, and handling display animations. I’m now pulling together the app layer.
Since this is a Pi-based build, I figured this sub would have great feedback on:
* **Software architecture** — are there Pi libraries I should be leaning on more for display/audio?
* **Expansion ideas** — what ports or add-ons would you want in a modular Pi-based desk companion?
* **Community hacks** — what would you build if you had one of these on your desk?
The code is open source and available on Github. Design files will be posted there as well (I'm still working on finalizing the design). My hope is that this becomes not just a product but a **hackable platform** people can tinker with, mod, and extend.
# Links:
Github: [https://github.com/Companion-TheCube](https://github.com/Companion-TheCube)
Draft product page: [https://www.companionthecube.com/shop/companion-thecube-158](https://www.companionthecube.com/shop/companion-thecube-158)
Happy to answer questions or share technical
GitHub
Companion, TheCube
A personal desktop assistant designed to help you be more productive, healthy, and entertained. - Companion, TheCube