Ask HN: What tech hobbies are worth exploring?

Software is being overwhelmed with AI-generated noise with no sign of slowing. This makes it increasingly difficult to find value and to feel valued.

I want to feel the enthusiasm I felt when I first started programming, and I've starting looking into a hardware oriented tech hobby. Something involving a smallish group of dedicated people, minimal hype, working with cool tech, and maybe feeling like we're building the future.

Some areas I'm considering include robotics, sensors/IoT and embedded systems.

These are my constraints:

- Can be done at home

- Reasonable budget

- Surmountable learning curve to a newcomer

- Strong community, minimal hype

Can you recommend an area of tech that fits the above? Doesn't have to involve hardware, I just figure there's a higher barrier to entry and therefore less noise.