My Arduino spins faster when Claude burns more tokens (terminalbytes.com)

A tech enthusiast has created an innovative desk toy that engages with their computer activity by linking a DC motor to Claude Code's token usage. This project transforms a broken Stirling engine into a kinetic desk toy, where the spinning flywheel accelerates as more tokens are burned by Claude Code, reflecting the user's productivity in real time. Utilizing an Arduino Uno and an L298N motor driver, the setup polls local JSONL transcripts to monitor token activity, adjusting the motor's speed via an exponentially-decaying score derived from recent usage. This projects showcases the integration of physical computing with productivity monitoring, offering a tactile, visual representation of digital work. By combining Python with macOS notifications, the system effectively controls power supplies and motor functions while ensuring safety with hardware fail-safes. Notably, the flexible design allows for customization based on user activity, which can help create engaging workplace environments. This creative endeavor exemplifies the fusion of mechanical and computational art, highlighting how DIY projects can enhance interaction with technology in everyday life.