Sensefors

Sensefors is a modular platform for multi-sensory experiences and research in human–computer interaction. It combines hardware modules—such as haptic actuators, tactile sensors, olfactory emitters, and audiovisual devices—with a software stack for data capture, real-time processing, and experiment management. The design emphasizes interoperability and open data formats to support cross-study collaboration.

Sensefors was announced in 2016 by SenseForge Labs as an open hardware project to standardize cross-modal stimulation. Since then, several generations added wireless connectivity, expanded modalities, and cloud analytics while preserving a modular, extensible architecture.

Modules connect via a standardized bus and can run on desktop, wearable, or embedded platforms. The software stack includes an Experiment Designer, a Real-time Controller, and a Data Explorer, with APIs for Python and JavaScript and support for JSON-LD metadata. Privacy controls are integrated for research use.

It is used in academic research, clinical rehabilitation studies, immersive art installations, and rapid prototyping of multisensory interfaces. Reviews praise modularity and openness; criticisms include cost, setup complexity, and a learning curve.

See also: human-computer interaction; multisensory integration; sensory substitution devices.