Bengaluru techie builds device to 'kidnap' himself when bored. Here’s how it works

Bengaluru techie builds AI device to escape boredom on weekends. (AI-generated representative image)

Weekends are usually meant for rest and relaxation, but for some, they can become repetitive and dull. While most people fill the time with binge-watching movies and shows, or casual scrolling on social media, a Bengaluru software engineer has found a unique way to add spontaneity and fun to his weekends.

Instead of planning his own outings, Pankaj created a device that decides his weekend plans for him. Explaining the concept behind his invention, he said, “I kept wasting my weekends doing nothing, so I built a button that kidnaps me. Whenever I’m bored, I press it, and it books an Uber to a random interesting place in my city.”

The device combines simple hardware with custom code. Describing the technical setup, he added, “It has a physical digital push button connected to my raspi, and some Python script.”

Pankaj also shared how the system has worked in practice, detailing his experiences with it so far, “I’ve pressed it 11 times so far and never had a bad trip. Okay, bye, going to a 110-year-old wrestling pit in Shivajinagar, Bengaluru. I don’t know what to expect, but I’m excited.”

Photos accompanying the post show both the button itself and the automated ride booking in action. The device also serves a practical purpose beyond fun. Outsourcing the decision of where to go, it helps avoid indecision and encourages trying new experiences.

i kept wasting my weekends doing nothing so i built a button that kidnaps me. whenever im bored, i press it and it books an uber to a random interesting place in my city it has a physical digital push button connected to my raspi, and some python script. ive pressed it 11… pic.twitter.com/0ClrNmdFz4

— Pankaj (@the2ndfloorguy) February 26, 2026

Social media users were curious about how destinations are selected. When asked about the method, Pankaj explained, “Little AI agent, using open street map apis it has access to my interests and no limit on distance for now.”

Others suggested ways to adapt the idea to different interests. On a user’s suggestion about exploring food options instead, he responded, “Nice idea, gonna add it to my agent.” Some reactions focused on the unusual but motivating nature of the project. One user wrote, “Whatever is wrong with you is inspiring.”

Finally, some users noted potential challenges. Responding to concerns about ride availability and the traffic situation in Bengaluru, Pankaj said, “On weekends, it’s usually less traffic.”