Muse Gadgets is an open source hardware initiative designed to work with the Muse AI agent. According to the project's website, it provides software development kits (SDKs) that allow users to program off-the-shelf electronics boards like ESP32 or Raspberry Pi to create custom devices that interface with Muse. The platform centers around two primary SDKs: one for ESP32 microcontrollers and another for Linux-based devices such as Raspberry Pi. These SDKs enable users to connect Muse to various hardware components including displays, buttons, sensors, and actuators. As stated on the site, 'Muse gadgets are open source devices you build yourself. Program an off-the-shelf ESP32 board or set up a Raspberry Pi with our SDKs, then connect Muse to your displays, buttons, sensors, actuators, and whatever else you’ve got lying on your workbench.' To get started, users need to obtain an SDK token and select from featured project ideas. The project emphasizes community involvement through a Discord channel where builders can share projects and seek assistance. All device SDKs and firmware are released under the Apache 2.0 license and provided as-is without warranty. Muse Gadgets showcases numerous example projects demonstrating the platform's versatility. These include integrating Muse with home automation systems like Home Assistant using a Raspberry Pi 5, creating a portable status display with the Waveshare ESP32-S3-Touch-AMOLED-1.75C screen, building an HDMI stick for TV connectivity, and utilizing e-ink technology through the Seeed reTerminal E1002 for persistent information display. Additional examples feature compact devices like the M5Stack StickS3 and AiPi Lite for desk-friendly interactions, as well as specialized builds such as a voice-controlled preview edition for Home Assistant. While the platform highlights various third-party hardware options, it includes an important disclaimer: 'Devices shown here are made and sold by other companies, and Meta doesn’t endorse or warrant them.' This clarifies that although Muse Gadgets provides the software framework for connecting custom hardware to Muse, the physical devices themselves come from independent manufacturers. The project maintains a candid perspective on DIY electronics, noting that 'Side effects of tinkering may include bricked boards, voided warranties, brownouts, or bankruptcies. Proceed at your own risk!' This acknowledges the inherent challenges and potential issues associated with hardware tinkering while encouraging experimentation within the maker community.

Official Muse logo, the AI agent powering the Muse Gadgets hardware platform
The Muse brand mark. The article's hardware SDKs and gadgets are all built to connect off-the-shelf boards to the Muse AI agent.muse.ai

The first paragraph introduces Muse Gadgets as an open source hardware initiative designed to work with the Muse AI agent, whose role is to receive input from and send commands to the custom devices users build.