PickentCode built a computer powered entirely by a small Stirling engine heated by an alcohol lamp. Instead of a wall outlet or battery, the flame keeps a generator turning to power an ESP32-C3 and a small OLED display.
A 16-key keypad lets the machine run CHIP-8 games and custom programs. To stay within the tiny power budget, wireless features are disabled and the processor speed is reduced when full performance is not needed.
Turning on this computer starts with lighting a flame rather than pressing a power button. If you want to keep playing, keeping the fire alive becomes part of using the machine.
El Pulpo Magnifico is a roughly 8.5-meter-tall mobile kinetic sculpture shaped like a giant octopus. Its eight tentacles and eight eyes move, while flames shoot from its extremities. The exterior is built from reclaimed metal and repurposed objects including kitchenware.
A control panel operates its movement and fire effects, and the machine carries about 200 gallons of propane. It was built by Duane Flatmo, Jerry Kunkel, Will Startare and their crew.
A giant octopus could have stopped at being a sculpture, but this one also drives, moves its tentacles and eyes, and carries enough propane to breathe serious fire. The least necessary octopus features received the most engineering.
Turning on this computer starts with lighting a flame rather than pressing a power button. If you want to keep playing, keeping the fire alive becomes part of using the machine.