SUMMARY

Tiny Controls builds interactive toys that are powered by developmental science. Founded in 2026 in Porto by architect Lera Samovich and engineer Florian Mintgen, Tiny Controls leverages decades of existing research to update the early learning experience for young children.
Most infant toys do not take the cognitive skills and developmental potential of young children into account, even though research shows that infants can learn a wide variety of tasks when they have access to challenging, interactive toys that respond to their actions. While learning and playing with such interactive toys, infants have fun and stay engaged for much longer than when using passive toys.
Tiny Controls' flagship product is a patent-pending, motion-responsive crib mobile designed for infants aged 0–6 months. Supported by decades of research, the system uses wireless ankle sensors to translate babies' leg movements into dynamic rotation and generative audio feedback.

PROBLEM

During their first six months, infants experience massive cognitive leaps. However, current toys fail to harness this developmental potential. Passive toys quickly leave babies frustrated, demanding constant parental supervision. At the same time, caregivers struggle with exhaustion and a lack of personal time. Finding ways to safely engage babies unsupervised, allowing parents to take small rests, is a daily challenge.
Tiny Controls solves this dual problem with an interactive crib mobile that responds to an infant's movements with dynamic sensory feedback. This approach enhances cognitive development by giving babies agency over their play. It keeps them happily engaged for much longer than traditional toys. While the child safely learns and has fun, parents finally get a reliable, well-deserved chance to recharge.

SOLUTION

Tiny Control's interactive crib mobile is controlled entirely by an infant's leg movements. Lightweight wireless ankle sensors transmit motion data in real time to a central hub, where custom algorithms classify the movements into different gestures. The mobile responds instantly, rewarding the baby’s intent with dynamic rotation and generative music tailored to their specific gestures. The mobile features high-contrast rotating cards designed to foster early visual development while maintaining an aesthetic that appeals to adults as well.
This technology is a modern implementation of the Mobile Conjugate Reinforcement (MCR) method, introduced by Carolyn Rovee-Collier in the late 1960s. Over the last six decades, MCR has been used in over 15,600 scientific studies to understand infant cognitive and motor development. However, until now, this highly effective method has been used in laboratory settings only.
Tiny Controls brings this powerful approach into the nursery. By providing a direct cause-and-effect loop, the mobile gives infants true agency over their environment. This active, self-guided play builds early motor coordination and extends infant engagement time, turning a traditionally passive experience into empowering developmental milestones.