CrankGPT: AI Chatbot Powered by Hand Crank

European startup Squeez Labs has introduced the concept of an AI chatbot, CrankGPT, which operates without a battery or grid connection. The device features a hand crank that generates up to 20W of power to run a Raspberry Pi 5 with 8GB of RAM. This allows CrankGPT to process queries locally using small-scale AI models.

Developers note that the device can recognize speech, synthesize responses using the Piper model, and perform simple tasks such as generating text, poetry, or code. However, due to the limited power from the hand crank, CrankGPT is better suited for short queries rather than complex computations. During operation, the device produces noise, and the crank becomes heavier when processing speech and generating responses simultaneously.

The main advantage of CrankGPT is its complete autonomy and privacy. All data is processed locally, eliminating risks of data leaks or dependence on cloud services. Developers emphasize that their solution aims to reduce the energy consumption of AI systems, particularly amid growing demand for computational resources.

Currently, CrankGPT remains an experimental project: the company is accepting requests for device demonstrations but has not disclosed plans for mass production or pricing. Nevertheless, the concept demonstrates that AI can be both accessible and eco-friendly without relying on powerful servers.