Consider how RPi Zero 2W could be integrated

[sgbaird]

Primarily for people to be able to use whatever WiFi Internet they want (number one issue that people have) and as a secondary benefit to be able to use Python instead of MicroPython (e.g., use paho-mqtt on both sides, which would better reflect required setup for existing lab instruments running Windows for example).

Could either be trying to remove the Pico W altogether or having serial communication between the Pico W and the Pi Zero 2W, where serial communication is probably the easiest.

One issue with Pi Zero 2W is that I think often it doesn't come with headers installed, so maybe a Pi 4B or 5 (2 GB) is better at that point already.

In the end, it's still just a NeoPixel, an AS7341 light sensor, a way to fixture them relative to each other (preferably with customizable distances), and a method of controlling it remotely that's needed..