Floppy Disk Drive Transformed Into Tactile TV Remote for Toddlers

Modern smart TV interfaces overwhelm toddlers with complex menus and distracting options, according to Copenhagen-based maker Mads Chr. Olesen. To solve this, he created FloppyDiskCast – a tactile control system using 1990s floppy disk drives as physical media controllers for streaming content.

"Floppy disks are the best storage media ever invented," Olesen claims. His system enables his three-year-old son to operate their smart TV simply by inserting vividly labeled disks into a modified drive. Each colorful disk features recognizable artwork corresponding to specific shows like 'Teletubbies' or 'Paw Patrol'.

The technical implementation faced significant hurdles. Unlike modern USB devices, floppy drives don't natively signal media insertion without operating system interaction. Olesen solved this by monitoring pin 34 (the disk change signal) on the drive's interface and adding a physical switch to detect insertion. An Arduino Nano microcontroller processes the signal using the open-source FDC Library by David Hansel.

When a disk inserts, the Arduino reads a tiny configuration file (autoexec.sh) from the floppy's 1.44MB storage. This file contains instructions triggering specific content via the Chromecast API. Despite the vintage technology, power consumption remains low enough for battery operation due to brief read cycles.

Olesen emphasizes the educational benefits: "Each disk represents one show, creating clear cause-effect understanding." The physical insertion process provides satisfying tactile feedback with drive noises and mechanical resistance absent from touchscreens. This approach prevents toddlers from getting lost in streaming interfaces and develops attention spans through deliberate media selection.

The entire project is open-source on GitHub, including 3D-printable enclosure designs and Arduino code. Enthusiasts can build their own units using affordable floppy drives ($2-$5 via online marketplaces) and basic electronics components.

While nostalgic for adults, FloppyDiskCast's true innovation lies in its child-centered design philosophy. By mapping digital content to physical objects, Olesen created what he calls "a remote control with training wheels" – bridging tangible interaction with modern streaming technology.