This freeform sculpture doubles as a drink temperature monitor
While some prefer iced coffee, few like a cup of Joe that’s been sitting out for too long and has simply stabilized to room temperature. To ensure his beverage is up to snuff, YouTuber Make Fun Stuff has created his own non-contact temperature display for his desk.
The device features a brass rod circuit sculpture that holds an IR sensor over the drink, transferring signals to an Arduino Nano in the assembly’s base. The Nano is turned on via a small switch, which is activated by the weight of the mug when in place. Five LEDs are used to indicate how hot the coffee is, embedded inside almost-drilled-through holes in the wood. This allows the lights to shine visibly when active and disappear when off, preserving an understated look for the unit.
More details on the project’s construction can be found in Make Fun Stuff’s video below.