Pipo is a collection of three modules aimed at enabling dynamic, live interaction with audiovisual and music software. They turn sensors into standard input devices—in seconds. Pipo supports MIDI, OSC, and USB HID protocols, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of computing platforms.

The Pipo ecosystem offers a versatile platform for exploring alternative inputs for everything from music to gaming. It provides a configurable open-source sensor solution with a simple browser-based interface. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, you’ll find a reason to love Pipo—it gives superpowers to creatives and is a time-saving, feature-rich solution for makers.

Modular Inputs for Creative Applications

Pipo modules are plug-and-play standalone boards that can be used independently or together, wired or wirelessly. Each module has been designed to excel in its specialty; the sensors have been carefully chosen, and dedicated processing will help you get the most out of the data.

They all share many core features: an onboard lithium battery charger, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth LE connectivity, a USB Type-C port, and practical mounting holes. Each module can be used as a native MIDI peripheral, send high-resolution data through OSC over a network, or send keystrokes or mouse movements.

Pipo’s secret sauce is its graphical, web-based user interface, which is hosted locally on each module. This interface allows you to adjust all your settings without requiring a separate application. By displaying live sensor readings, you can change settings on the fly, in the field, from any device you have on hand.

Pipo Motion: Gyro, accelerometer, and magnetometer

Based on a high-performance IMU, Pipo Motion allows you to trigger actions using its spatial orientation, acceleration, taps, or vibrations.

Pipo Range: Distance sensing and object detection

Pipo Range is measuring the exact distance to objects. It can sense hands (like a theremin) or detect bigger objects like walls, obstacles, or people up to a few meters away.

Pipo Analog: Plug in whatever you want

With its six analog and six touch-sensitive inputs, Pipo Analog is the Swiss army knife of the family. Using standard Grove-type connectors, any signal between 3.3 and 12 V can be used with your Pipo-based project, making it compatible with a long list of existing sensors made for Arduino.

The capacitive touch inputs let you create buttons using various common conductive materials or objects: wires, metallic tape, vegetables, conductive paint…or anything else you can imagine.

Prototype Faster Than Ever

Because Pipo has multiple output modes, it is compatible with music software, video software, lighting software, and web browsers—its applications are only limited by your imagination. Here are a few examples where using Pipo could save the day:

• Install immersive multimedia exhibits
• Prototype wearables
• Create interactive stage lighting scenarios
• Build funny, unexpected reactive objects
• Run a creative musical workshop for students

Pipo removes technical barriers to expression and creativity. Say goodbye to making clunky Arduino prototypes—our sensor suite lets you be more ambitious and creative in record time.

Features & Specifications

• Based on the Expressif ESP32-S3-Mini module
• Wi-Fi + Bluetooth LE connectivity
• Onboard Lithium battery charger
• USB Type-C connector
• M3 mounting points
• Compact form factor
• Play/pause button
• Browser-based web user interface:
  • Locally hosted, accessible via Wi-Fi
  • Change output and settings
  • Read live sensor output
  • Customize MIDI (note scales, arpeggios, controls, pitch bend, etc.)

Pipo Motion

• Equipped with a 9-axis ICM-20948 IMU (gyroscope + accelerometer + magnetometer)
• 400 Hz refresh rate

Pipo Analog

• 6 analog inputs:
  • 3.3 V to 12 V range selector
  • 3x Grove connectors (2 inputs per connector)
  • Overvoltage input protection
• 6 capacitive touch inputs
• 400 Hz refresh rate
• Optional external breakout boards with screw terminals

Pipo Range

• VL53L4CX high performance time-of-flight sensor

Open Source

Pipo is made possible thanks to open-source knowledge, and we want to contribute our project to the movement. The complete firmware, web front end, and schematics will be shared in our GitHub repository after the end of the campaign.

The firmware is developed with PlatformIO on the Arduino core to make it easy to contribute or branch. The front end is written in Svelte.

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