M.A.W.I.P.
Mechatronically Assisted Wind Instruments Platform
M.A.W.I.P. is a modular and scalable mechatronic platformdesigned to redefine the way wind instruments operate.
By integrating electronics, assisted mechanics, and control software, M.A.W.I.P. simplifies fingering, enhances accessibility, and introduces new forms of interaction between musicians and their instruments.
Its open architecture also enables connection with MIDI synthesizers, giving rise to the first hybrid acoustic and electronic wind instruments.
The platform is designed to be applied across different families of wind instruments, while maintaining a consistent and intuitive user experience.
Platform Key Benefits
1. Simplified fingering
One of M.A.W.I.P.'s key advantages is thedrastic simplification of fingering, a crucial element in accelerating the learning process.
This makes the platform ideal for:
- students and beginners;
- multi-instrumentalists;
- experienced players of traditional instruments
The simplification is based on three principles:
Intuitive positions
M.A.W.I.P. adopts a fingering logic inspired by naturally more accessible instruments, such as the German recorder, while integrating elements from other wind instruments, including the saxophone and clarinet.
The result is a new unified fingering platform that is coherent, intuitive, and simplified.
Universal keys for accidentals
The platform introduces two dedicated keys that universally apply::
- upper alteration (sharp)
- lower alteration (flat)
This system allows any note to be altered through an immediate and consistent logic: a unique solution within the landscape of traditional wind instruments.
Same fingering positions across all octaves
The same fingering combinations are maintained throughout the instrument's entire range..
This drastically reduces memory load and accelerates familiarization with the instrument.
2. Musical Versatility
M.A.W.I.P. introduces a new level of performance flexibility through automatic transposition.
The instrument can:
- quickly change key and pitch settings
- adapt to different performance contexts
3. Hybrid nature
The platform enables a new generation of hybrid instruments..
Players can quickly switch between:
- acoustic mode
- MIDI / digital mode
even during a live performance.
This opens up new creative and performance possibilities.
How it works
The musician interacts with electronic buttons that replace the instrument’s traditional and complex mechanical system.
The combination of inputs is interpreted by dedicated software, which identifies the desired note.
A servo motor system then controls:
- tone hole opening,
- tone hole closing,
- the instrument’s acoustic configuration
ensuring precision, stability, and repeatability, with no impact on latency and supporting even the most virtuosic performances.
At the heart of the system is an embedded computer based on Raspberry Pi, responsible for:
- input interpretation;
- software processing;
- actuator control.
The soul of a classical instrument, enhanced by mechatronics
The M.A.W.I.P. platform takes shape as a Transformation Kit that can be applied to the body of the original instrument.
The kit includes:
Structural covers
3D-printed components that enclose the instrument and serve both as mechanical supports and as sound-absorbing barriers.
Servo motors
Actuators that control the keys and the opening/closing mechanism.
Custom keys and pads
3D-printed nylon components and soft pads designed to ensure effective tone hole closure.
Electronic buttons
The physical interface used by the musician, positioned for easy finger access and designed to be comfortably pressed with the fingertips.
Electronic system
Composed of:
- Raspberry Pi
- control motherboard
- battery control and charging circuits
- servo motor controller
- physical keyboard controller
- MIDI controller (optional)
