Kid Level Computer Kit to Add 3D Scanning and Music Generation

Kid-Level Computer Kit to Add 3D Scanning and Music Generation 

A future update of a sub-$300 computer-building kit for kids will expand the capabilities of its operating system, turning STEM into STEAM. Piper sells a box of components that students assemble into a working computer. The computer can run the Raspberry Pi edition of Minecraft as well as Scratch and Mathematica. Users also learn some basics of electronics as they do their assembly work.

Now Piper has announced it will add software to integrate the arts into its STEM product. A new OS, ImagineOS, will embed 3D design capabilities into the machine as well as functionality to allow people to generate and share digital music.

3D Materializer is a new addition that lets students create an area within their "Piper world" that can handle scanning; the resulting file can be sent to a 3D printer to physically create the object.

PipHop is a music sequencer to allow users to program, play, record and share music. The first generation will include a piano and drum kit; future updates will offer other instruments as well as scales and microphone inputs. The sequencer will allow for recordings of up to 30 seconds, which will be saved as mp3 files for sharing.

"Through our ImagineOS update, we've been able to further Piper's already cutting-edge technology, adding an art component to our already successful STEM learning program. We are creating an environment that will continue to inspire our young inventors," said Co-founder Mark Pavlyukovskyy in a prepared statement.

Recently, the company launched PiperEDU, a builder page for educators, with curriculum, standards information and classroom and school pricing.

About the Author

Dian Schaffhauser is a former senior contributing editor for 1105 Media's education publications THE Journal, Campus Technology and Spaces4Learning.

Featured

  • The AI Show

    Register for Free to Attend the World's Greatest Show for All Things AI in EDU

    The AI Show @ ASU+GSV, held April 5–7, 2025, at the San Diego Convention Center, is a free event designed to help educators, students, and parents navigate AI's role in education. Featuring hands-on workshops, AI-powered networking, live demos from 125+ EdTech exhibitors, and keynote speakers like Colin Kaepernick and Stevie Van Zandt, the event offers practical insights into AI-driven teaching, learning, and career opportunities. Attendees will gain actionable strategies to integrate AI into classrooms while exploring innovations that promote equity, accessibility, and student success.

  • laptop displaying a red padlock icon sits on a wooden desk with a digital network interface background

    Reports Point to Domain Controllers as Prime Ransomware Targets

    A recent report from Microsoft reinforces warns of the critical role Active Directory (AD) domain controllers play in large-scale ransomware attacks, aligning with U.S. government advisories on the persistent threat of AD compromise.

  • laptop displaying a glowing digital brain and data charts sits on a metal shelf in a well-lit server room with organized network cables and active servers

    Cisco Unveils AI-First Approach to IT Operations

    At its recent Cisco Live 2025 event, Cisco introduced AgenticOps, a transformative approach to IT operations that integrates advanced AI capabilities to enhance efficiency and collaboration across network, security, and application domains.

  • educators seated at a table with a laptop and tablet, against a backdrop of muted geometric shapes

    HMH Forms Educator Council to Inform AI Tool Development

    Adaptive learning company HMH has established an AI Educator Council that brings together teachers, instructional coaches and leaders from school district across the country to help shape its AI solutions.