This article was published on April 3, 2019

Video: Yep, this long-overdue device lets you play music on exotic fruit

You'll have to pry the pineapples from my cold, dead hands


This video is part of our series on Lille’s Maker Faire. To stay up-to-date on releases (and to find out more), check out our master post here.

Sometimes an idea is so simple and pure, you’re shocked that no one has done it before. This is not one of those ideas. So, welcome one and all, to the world of musical pineapples.

This concept comes from Playtronica, a company that aims to educate people through the use of – as they put it – audio experiences. And, well, it’s cool.

But back to the musical pineapples. They work with a bit of hardware called the Playtron. What this does is effectively create a circuit between your body and the fruit. It’s then connected to a computer so when you touch the, uh, instrument (?) the circuit is closed, and a specified sound is played. Simple? For sure, but it’s a great way for kids to learn about electricity.

The 💜 of EU tech

The latest rumblings from the EU tech scene, a story from our wise ol' founder Boris, and some questionable AI art. It's free, every week, in your inbox. Sign up now!

The other device you can see in the video is the Touch Me, which looks like this:

Weirdly threatening tbqh.

When it’s set-up, two people put a thumb on either side of the device and then… touch each other. As you do so, each individual hears the sounds made by the other person’s body. It’s not as creepy as it sounds, I promise.

Two people using Touch Me to touch one another and make sweet music

Basically, Playtronica has invented some badass, musical things. All I need to work out now is how to get hold of a never-ending supply of pineapples, so I can spend the rest of my days drumming on exotic fruit.

Want more Maker Faire inventions and discoveries? Then head over here to see more of our videos.


TNW Conference 2019 is coming! Check out our glorious new location, inspiring lineup of speakers and activities, and how to be a part of this annual tech bonanza by clicking here.

Get the TNW newsletter

Get the most important tech news in your inbox each week.

Also tagged with