7 Genius Self-Made Projects Created By Engineers That You Can Try

You need some inspiration to start a DIY-engineering project? Then take a look at these 7 genius self-made projects.

1. A smart screen displaying newspaper

A Google X’s Robotics and Machine Learning engineer recently talked about his DIY engineering project, a digital newspaper display that can be mounted on the wall. Dubbed “Paper”, the process of making this display is quite simple and looks great.

In his article, Max Braun explains the process of building the display as well as his choice of materials. Paper is a combination of the analog feeling and smart home technology. Braun said:

Paper downloads the PDF version of a newspaper’s front page automatically. The page will then be converted into the correct image format and sent to the display.

2. A distraction-free cellphone

This genius used an old rotary phone to make an awesome-looking distraction-free cell phone. To get away from all the push messages, notifications and other distractions of the latest cellphones, Justine Haupt decided to make the device.

The final product has an aesthetically-pleasing look like it was a product from more than 40 years ago. On her website, Haupt shared detailed instructions on how to build the device as well as why she decided to choose a specific material.

For example, Haupt took the dial from an old Western Electric Trimline telephone and integrated it with a modern cellular chipset by combining it with all the necessary electronics.

Haupt 3D printed the main body of the phone to fit everything inside.

3. An explosive alarm clock

Find “MrGear” on YouTube and his guide video will show you how to make this device step by step.

An AA battery, a tripwire, a clothes peg, and a few other components, that’s everything you need to make this trip-wire alarm.

Once a circuit is completed, the alarm will sound. But it isn’t a regular alarm, a flammable substance is ignited to deliver a message to the intruder.

4. Electric-powered skateboard

To make this device, you only an old skateboard, a power drill, a brass wire wheel brush, and a few other things.

You can check out the video from YouTuber “Inspire To Make” to learn how to make your own motorized skateboard.

So if you have a skateboard and a power-drill in hand, you won’t have to spend more than $100.

5. A bike-mounted cellphone

If you always worry about how your cellphone’s battery runs out when you are on your bike, this project is definitely for you. Created by YouTuber KipKay, it’s a fun and handy project.

Using an older computer fan, the battery is topped up while you cycling around. As you ride your bike, the fan is spun, generating electricity to charge the battery of your phone.

The total cost is under $10 and you won’t have to spend more than an hour to complete the project.

6. Make a vacuum cleaner using an old plastic bottle

If you can’t afford those expensive vacuum cleaner and prefer to recycle, considering making your own. All you need is a big enough plastic bottle and a few other components.

The project is a simple one as the materials can be found around your house. You can take the motor from your old electronic devices.

7. Emergency light powered by fire and ice

Looking for a cool DIY project, what about this emergency light? There is a thermoelectric module which uses a temperature gradient to generate electricity. This gadget works based on the Seebeck effect.

Besides the thermoelectric module, you only need food tins as well as other basic electrical components. If you want something cool and handy, you can try out this project.

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