The Project
A screen-free alternative for your children
What is it?
The Open Music Box is an intelligent audio player designed especially for children. Instead of using a screen, your children interact with physical objects using NFC technology (the same one that enables contactless payment).
How does it work? It's simple:
- You associate an NFC card (or a figurine with an NFC sticker) to a playlist or album
- Your child places the card on the Music Box player
- The music starts automatically!
- The child can control volume and skip tracks with physical buttons
Why it's great: No time wasted searching through menus, no distraction from other apps, and most importantly: no screen! Your children develop their autonomy while protecting their eyes.
🎵 📻 🎨
Simple. Magical. Screen-free.
A tactile experience that stimulates your children's imagination
How it works
Simple 4-step workflow
From setup to daily use, everything is designed to be intuitive.
Prepare your content
Add your MP3 files via the mobile app or web server
Create your playlists
Organize your tracks by theme, mood, or time of day
Associate an NFC card
Place a blank card and select the playlist to associate
Let the magic happen
Your child places the card and the music starts instantly
Real use cases
A day with the Music Box
Discover how families use the Music Box daily to create magical moments.
Morning wake-up
"Emma, 4, wakes up and takes the 'Morning Song' card from her bedside table. She places it on her Music Box and her favorite nursery rhymes start softly."
✨ Autonomy from wake-up, without screen or parent help
Bedtime
"Leo, 6, chooses his 'Bedtime Stories' figurine and places it on the player. A soothing audio story starts automatically."
✨ Calming ritual without visual stimulation before sleep
Musical snack time
"Chloe, 5, hosts a snack with her friends. Each one chooses a card with their favorite music and they take turns changing them."
✨ Learning to share and shared control without conflict
Car trip
"On the road for vacation, Thomas, 7, brings his 5 favorite cards. He manages his own music throughout the trip."
✨ Calm in the car and autonomy even while traveling
Homework session
"Sophie, 8, places her 'Calm Music' card while doing homework. Maximum concentration without screen distraction."
✨ Helps concentration with instrumental music
Little brother's nap
"Lucas, 3, knows that when mom places the lullaby card on the Music Box, it's nap time. He settles into his bed all by himself."
✨ Clear and predictable routines for toddlers
3D Model
Explore the design in detail
Discover each component of the Music Box. Modular and repairable design built to last.
Discover each component of the Music Box. Modular and repairable design built to last.
Features
Everything you need
A complete system, thoughtfully designed to offer the best experience for your children.
- NFC Control
Associate any object (figurine, card, sticker) to a playlist or album. The child places the object on the player and the music starts instantly.
- Raspberry Pi
The brain of the system. An affordable and powerful mini-computer that manages music, NFC, and WiFi connection.
- Mobile App
Easily manage your music library, create playlists, and associate them with NFC cards from your smartphone.
- Printable Case
Free STL files to print your own 3D case. Multiple designs available, or create your own!
- Quality Audio
Compatible with HiFi sound cards for Raspberry Pi. Enjoy crystal-clear sound for your children.
- Secure & Private
Your music data stays at home. No cloud, no tracking, no advertising.
Build guide
Build your Music Box in 6 simple steps
Even if you've never done a DIY project, you can do it! Just follow the step-by-step guide.
Step 1: Gather components
1 dayOrder a Raspberry Pi, NFC reader, sound card (optional), and some NFC cards. Budget: about $100.
Step 2: Print the case
1-2 daysDownload STL files and print the 3D parts. If you don't have a printer, use an online service.
Step 3: Install software
30 minutesFlash the SD card with the provided system image. Everything is pre-configured, no technical skills required.
Step 4: Assemble
1 hourPlace components in the case, connect cables according to the illustrated guide. Like a construction set!
Step 5: Configure
15 minutesDownload the mobile app, connect to your Music Box, and add your first playlist.
Step 6: Enjoy!
foreverAssociate NFC cards to your favorite playlists. Your children can now control their music by themselves.
Required components
Here's the list of components you'll need. Everything is easily available online.
Raspberry Pi 4 (4GB)
~$50The brain of your Music Box
NFC Reader RC522
~$5To read NFC cards and stickers
32GB microSD Card
~$10To install the system
USB or Bluetooth Speaker
~$15-50For sound (or use the 3.5mm jack output)
NFC Cards (pack of 10)
~$5To associate with your playlists
Buttons and cables
~$10For physical controls
Estimated total
~80-120€Indicative prices, vary by supplier
Open Source
Why it matters
Total transparency
The source code is entirely open. You can see exactly what's happening, verify there's no hidden data collection, and even learn how it works.
Infinite customization
Modify the code to add your own features. Change the interface, add streaming services, integrate with your home automation... The possibilities are endless!
Community
Join a community of parents and makers who improve the project together. Share your creations, help others, and benefit from everyone's improvements.
Free forever
No monthly subscription, no hidden premium features, no advertising. You only pay for hardware, the software is free for personal use.