Open Source Bedroom Paddle Hackster.io: At the Open Hardware Summit 2024 in Montreal, I attended one of the most hands-on and thought-provoking workshops. It introduced a smart open-source bedroom paddle, combining electronics with real-world interaction.
The workshop focused on strain gauge technology and its integration into a physical tool — creating something educational, playful, and functional.
What Is the Smart Open Source Paddle?
The paddle contains a custom PCB strain gauge that detects bending. When the paddle flexes, the gauge reads force and pressure. It then sends this data as an electrical signal.
The workshop kit included:
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A strain paddle PCB board
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A 3D-printed battery holder
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An “OSSM” sticker
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An ESP32 microcontroller
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A Wheatstone Bridge circuit for signal accuracy
How It Works: From Force to Wireless Data
The paddle bends when in use. That bending activates the strain gauge, which measures mechanical stress. The gauge converts force and pressure into a small voltage signal.
The signal passes through a Wheatstone Bridge. This circuit measures resistance changes with high precision.
Next, the signal is amplified. An ESP32 chip collects and transmits the data over Wi-Fi. This turns the paddle into a real IoT device.
Each paddle is slightly different. To work accurately, users must measure resistance and select matching resistors. Finding and soldering the correct resistor was a key part of the workshop.
Why It Matters: Open Source and Sexual Wellness
This device is more than a gadget. It represents a positive shift in how we view sexuality, play, and technology. The developers are openly merging hardware innovation with emotional exploration.
“With great spanking comes great responsibility.”
By creating these tools in an open-source way, makers empower users to explore safely, responsibly, and creatively.
Sex Tech and DIY Hardware: A New Movement
Projects like this help people better understand consent, communication, and personal preference. They’re also a response to how closed and commercialized the sex tech industry has become.
The creators — James Craig, Kyle Chisholm, and Alex Warner of KinkyMakers — are changing that. They’re making powerful tools accessible through open hardware models.
“Sexuality and consent deserve the same innovation and openness we bring to other parts of life.”
Conclusion: Play Meets Precision
This smart paddle isn’t just tech for tech’s sake. It blends IoT, electronics, and real-world use in a way that encourages deeper engagement with both ourselves and others.
As open-source communities embrace bold new projects like this, we enter a future where play is informed, responsible, and tech-enhanced. And now, it’s time to decorate mine — and start collecting some data.