When weekend boredom strikes, most people scroll through social media or postpone plans. But one Bengaluru techie has found a far more adventurous solution — he built a button that “kidnaps” him.
Before panic sets in, the kidnapping is entirely voluntary.
How the ‘kidnap button’ works
In a now-viral post on X, tech enthusiast Pankaj revealed that he designed a physical digital push button connected to a Raspberry Pi. A custom Python script powered by Artificial Intelligence automatically books an Uber ride to a random “interesting” location in the city when pressed.
“The button, when pressed, books an Uber to a random interesting place in my city,” he wrote, adding that he has already used it 11 times without a single disappointing trip.
His latest destination? A 110-year-old wrestling pit in Shivajinagar.
Photos shared online show a Raspberry Pi motherboard connected to a smiley-faced push button, alongside a smartphone screen displaying the Uber app locating a driver.
Creativity meets spontaneity
The invention quickly gained thousands of views, with users applauding the blend of hardware tinkering and software automation. Some described it as a clever solution to “decision fatigue”, while others joked that the concept should be commercialised for spontaneous date nights.
One user commented, “Whatever is wrong with you is inspiring.”
Beyond humour, the idea highlights how technology can be used not just for productivity but to introduce unpredictability and exploration into everyday life.
In a city known for innovation, this light-hearted experiment reflects Bengaluru’s playful tech spirit — proving that sometimes, the best adventures begin with a single press of a button.