Pipo Interfaces brings a new versatile toolkit for creative sensing and audiovisual interaction in real-time. Developed by creative technologist Rupert Renevier, Pipo is a range of electronics sensor modules that simplify creative interactivity between people, real-world objects, and digital creation. Whether you’re crafting installations, designing experimental MIDI instruments, or interested in live multimedia or performing arts, Pipo builds the foundations of an accessible and adaptable open source toolkit.
When digital experiences become sensible and tangible, they allow for greater engagement and connection. The idea of using sensors for audiovisual applications and arts is far from being new, but still requires building custom solutions on Arduino or Raspberry Pi, which tends to be complex, time-consuming, and therefore not easily accessible to most. Pipo wants to unlock the creative potential of real-time sensing, and lower the technical barrier to it, by proposing tools that connect the physical world to the digital in a straightforward fashion.
The Pipo recipe is simple: small affordable modules, wireless capabilities, and an intuitive yet powerful user interface. All Pipo modules can be used alone or in combination, fixed, worn on the body, embedded in objects, etc… All Pipo modules have mounting holes to fit them in any kind of project, and casings are also available.
The first 3 modules of the family are Pipo Motion, Pipo Range and Pipo Analog.
Pipo Motion is dedicated to sensing movement: orientation, acceleration and magnetic field, thanks to an advanced 9 axis IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit). It allows for relative and absolute orientation.
Pipo Range is an accurate distance measuring sensor which can be used to detect hands, obstacles, objects, or people (up to 3m). It can be used the same way as a theremin, or as a people proximity sensor for eg.
Pipo Analog, a wireless touch board and a versatile Input/Output device. On one side it has 8 capacitive touch inputs to create original touch buttons (for eg: with wires, metallic tape, vegetables, conductive paint, etc… )
On the other side it has multiple analog voltage inputs/outputs (up to 8) to make anything wireless. With these you can acquire external buttons, specialized analog sensors modules, knobs or even control servo motors, drivers, etc…
Beyond these three first sensing modules, Pipo Interfaces carries a vision for a whole creative ecosystem for many more input kinds and also output modules. It has a strong anchor towards open source development and wants to create a strong user community connection. Pipo modules can all send standard MIDI and/or OSC data wirelessly for maximum compatibility.
The connectivity is made through WiFi, Bluetooth Low Energy, or USB and every module has an onboard battery charger, so that whatever idea you have, you can test it quickly and have it communicate to your audiovisual software in a matter of seconds (no matter your operating system).
All the settings can be tuned in the field through a web interface hosted on every module. No need for an app or software, just open any web browser on your mobile. This interface allows you to set various settings like sensing parameters, ranges, and to adapt the incoming and outgoing data streams to your needs, quickly and easily. You can for example eg fine tune the midi output, choose a note scale, channel, etc…
On a technical level, the project is developed with PlatformIO and the Arduino framework to make it easy for people to hack, modify, upgrade their pipos, or build their own custom Pipos. The software is open source, and the project runs on the Esp32-s3, one of the most versatile and powerful IoT chips around.
Pipo will launch as a pre-order campaign to fund the first production run very soon. If you like Pipo, you can support it by entering your email address on the campaign page, it means a lot ! By doing so, you will also be notified of the launch date, so that you can be among the first people to get yours.
The launch date is pending on gathering a critical mass of people who want to see the project going live, so subscribing helps the project move forward.
All this happens on Crowd Supply, a platform dedicated to launching open source projects.
