I use a hybrid architecture that is working quite well for interactives in my little corner of the museum industry. I pair a raspi running either node-red or py

I use a hybrid architecture that is working quite well for interactives in my little corner of the museum industry. I pair a raspi running either node-red or python with a Teensy coprocessor running embedded C code and handling the IO. The two communicate via UART serial via either firmata or a custom protocol as the project requires. Having the Teensy handle IO lets me tie directly into pin interrupts, FlexIO, DMA and other hardware goodies with the very well written PJRC libraries. At the same time, the raspi handles any network connectivity, timekeeping, controller coordination, and HDMI output. I get all the rapid prototyping ability of python or node-red while at the same time having all the raw bit banging power of C on a Teensy 4 at 600mhz.