GyroCube is a wireless tangible interface for music and media art, based on ESP32 and IMU sensor fusion. It transmits orientation data (Quaternions) via OSC over UDP to any compatible software (Max/MSP, TouchDesigner, Unity, etc.).
| Design Overview | Exploded View |
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| PCB Layout | Case Assembly |
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Open Hardware Prototype Evolution (2023)
| Core Module | Charging | Live Demo | Final Stack |
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| Case Parts | Assembly | Structure | Full Kit |
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- Wireless OSC Transmission: Real-time data streaming over WiFi.
- IMU Sensor Fusion: Stable quaternion data using Madgwick/Kalman filtering.
- Deep Sleep Mode: Battery saving with wake-up on motion/button.
- Web Interface: Easy configuration of WiFi and OSC targets (no hardcoding needed).
Microcontroller: ESP32 (WROOM/DevKit)
IMU Sensor: MPU-9250 (I2C)
| Component | ESP32 Pin | Note |
|---|---|---|
| MPU-9250 SDA | GPIO 21 |
I2C Data |
| MPU-9250 SCL | GPIO 22 |
I2C Clock |
| Main Button | GPIO 4 |
Wake up / Function |
| AP Switch | GPIO 32 |
Toggle Access Point Mode |
| Battery | VIN |
3.7V LiPo (via TP4056) |
(See full schematics in hardware/pcb/schematics/)
-
Firmware:
- Open
firmware/GyroCube_v1/GyroCube_v1.inoin Arduino IDE. - Install required libraries (see dependencies).
- Select Partition Scheme: "No OTA (Large APP)" (Important!).
- Upload to ESP32.
- Open
-
Configuration (First Run):
- Switch the AP Toggle (
GPIO 32) to ON position. - Connect to WiFi network:
GyroCube_<ID>(Password:123454321). - Open browser at
http://192.168.1.4. - Enter your WiFi credentials and Target IP (computer running Max/MSP).
- Save and Reboot.
- Switch the AP Toggle (
-
Software:
- Open
software/MaxMSP/GCube_Receiver.mxf. - You should see incoming quaternion data.
- Open
Full component list is available here: Download BOM CSV.
Key Components:
- MCU: ESP32-WROOM-32D
- IMU: MPU-9250 (via I2C)
- Power: TP4056 Charger + 3.7V LiPo Battery
- Switch: Slide Switch (SPDT) & Tactile Button (6x6mm)
- LEDs: 3mm Red/Green Common Anode
- PCB: Gerber files ready for manufacturing are available in
hardware/pcb/production/. - Case: 3D printable STL files are in
hardware/mechanical/stl/.
โ๏ธ Legal Notice & Prior Art:
This project represents legacy R&D work (2020โ2023). The core technology is based on research published in Springer Nature (July 2023) and serves as a Defensive Publication.
For detailed IP status, priority proofs, and patent notices, please refer to LEGAL.md.
License: Apache 2.0. See LICENSE for details.











