Researchers and instructors at NYU built a simple electronic instrument from discarded vape cartridges. David Rios, Kari S. Love and Shuang Cai salvaged a low-pressure sensor, a lithium battery and the mouthpiece, and they combined these parts into a crude ocarina-like synth.
The instrument produces a high, squeaky sound when a player inhales through the mouthpiece and presses buttons on the cartridge. Its design detects air pressure from sucking, which is roughly the opposite of a standard wind instrument that works when a player blows.
The team documented their process and published open-source instructions for hobbyists and DIY makers. By repurposing circuits and batteries, they aim to keep parts out of landfills and reduce the environmental impact of disposable devices.
Difficult words
- discard — thrown away because not wanted anymorediscarded
- salvage — save useful parts from something damagedsalvaged
- sensor — device that measures a physical quantitylow-pressure sensor
- detect — notice or find the presence of somethingdetects
- repurpose — use something for a different purposerepurposing
- landfill — a place where people bury or store wastelandfills
- disposable — designed to be used once and thrown away
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Do you think people should try to repair or repurpose small electronic devices instead of throwing them away? Why or why not?
- Would you be interested in building a simple instrument from recycled parts? What would be easy or difficult for you?
- Besides keeping parts out of landfills, what other benefits might come from repurposing circuits and batteries?
Related articles
Dubioza Kolektiv’s new song 'Yebiga' questions AI
Bosnian band Dubioza Kolektiv released the song "Yebiga," which satirises society’s growing trust in AI and algorithmic decisions. The Bosnian video, with English and Spanish subtitles, shows tech leaders as symbols and uses dark humour to warn about technocracy.
