Wireless Inertial Measurement Units in Performing Arts

Inertial Measurement Units (IMUs), which embed several sensors (accelerometers, gyroscopes, magnetometers) are employed by musicians and performers to control sound, music, or lighting on stage. In particular, wireless IMU systems in the performing arts require particular attention due to strict requirements regarding streaming sample rate, latency, power consumption, and programmability. This article presents a review of systems developed in this context at IRCAM as well as in other laboratories and companies, highlighting specificities in terms of sensing, communication, performance, digital processing, and usage. Although basic IMUs are now widely integrated into IoT systems and smartphones, the availability of complete commercial wireless systems that meet the constraints of the performing arts remains limited. For this reason, a review of systems used in performing Arts provides exemplary use cases that may also be relevant to other applications.