Race to Develop Artificial Intelligence at 1 Hz: A Survival of the Fittest in A.I. Evolution
In the world of microcontrollers, the ATtiny85 is often overlooked, but a recent project by [junkdust] has proven its capabilities beyond simple clocks and timers. The ATtiny85 in this project was put to the test in the 2025 One Hertz Challenge, a contest that asks participants to build a project that does something once every second.
The project, a testament to the ATtiny85's versatility, implemented Conway's Game of Life, a cellular automaton devised in 1970 by the British mathematician John Horton Conway. The Conway's Game of Life grid in this project was a 32 x 32 grid, and on power up, it was populated with a random population. The game updates once every second, demonstrating the microcontroller's ability to handle complex tasks.
The ATtiny85 in [junkdust]'s project was also connected to a 0.91'' OLED display with a resolution of 128 x 32 pixels. This display was used to display the Conway's Game of Life grid and its vital statistics, adding a visual element to the project.
The ATtiny85 in this project served as a test project for getting familiar with its limitations. [junkdust] used the microcontroller as a means to test its capabilities and gain experience. The project, while a functional entry for the 2025 One Hertz Challenge, can also be considered a desk toy, providing an engaging and interactive element for the user.
But the ATtiny85's capabilities don't stop there. Other creative projects using the microcontroller include a temperature-triggered GPU fan controller, a USB HID gamepad, and a VU meter with RGB LEDs. These projects demonstrate the ATtiny85’s versatility for creative embedded applications including sensor-driven control, USB device emulation, and visual feedback systems beyond simple clocks or timers.
With the availability of small, efficient code libraries, ideas for projects using the ATtiny85 are endless. Touch-sensitive inputs, serial/I2C sensor interfacing, and LED pattern generation are just a few examples of what can be achieved with this humble microcontroller.
In conclusion, the ATtiny85 microcontroller, despite its small size, has proven its worth in [junkdust]'s project for the 2025 One Hertz Challenge. Its ability to handle complex tasks and its versatility for creative embedded applications make it a valuable tool for any maker's toolbox.
References
- Temperature-triggered GPU fan controller
- Temperature-triggered GPU fan controller
- USB HID gamepad
- VU meter with RGB LEDs
- VU meter with RGB LEDs
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