Imagine the convenience of controlling your home appliances with just the sound of your voice. Jallson Suryo, an inventive tech enthusiast, brought this vision to life by creating a voice-controlled power strip prototype using an iRobota Nicla Voice and a Pro Micro board. This remarkable project eliminates the need for an internet connection or smart assistant device, making it a self-contained voice-activation system.
The Voice-Activation Enigma: A Journey of Data and Training
To train the voice-controlled power strip, Suryo embarked on a data collection mission. He diligently recorded himself uttering specific words (“one,” “two,” “three,” “four,” “on,” and “off”) into his phone, amassing a dataset that captured the nuances of his voice. These recordings were meticulously uploaded to an Edge Impulse project, where they were split into individual words. To ensure a balanced representation of each label, the dataset underwent a rebalancing process.
Suryo then employed a keyword spotting classifier model, harnessing the Syntiant NDP120-optimal settings for voice. This model underwent rigorous training, resulting in an impressive accuracy of around 80%. With this model in place, the voice-controlled power strip was ready to respond to voice commands and execute the desired actions.
The Symphony of Voice and Power: Unraveling the Functionality
When the Nicla Voice detects a relay number (e.g., “one” or “three”), it patiently awaits the follow-up “on” or “off” keyword. Once both the number and state are known, it initiates an I2C transmission to the Pro Micro board. This transmission serves as a command, which the Pro Micro board expertly decodes and translates into action. Consequently, the corresponding relay is switched accordingly, bringing the desired appliance to life or sending it into a peaceful slumber.
Additional Resources: Delving Deeper into the Voice-Controlled Realm
For those eager to delve deeper into the intricacies of this project, Suryo’s Edge Impulse tutorial provides a comprehensive guide. Additionally, a YouTube video demonstration, aptly titled “Non IoT – Voice Controlled Powerplug,” offers a visual exploration of the voice-controlled power strip in action. These resources serve as valuable tools for anyone seeking to replicate or expand upon this innovative project.
Bonus: The realm of voice-controlled devices is constantly evolving, presenting a plethora of possibilities for further exploration. Consider integrating this voice-controlled power strip with home automation systems, enabling seamless control of multiple appliances and devices through voice commands. Additionally, the integration of natural language processing (NLP) could enhance the system’s understanding of complex commands, making it even more intuitive and user-friendly.
The voice-controlled power strip, a testament to human ingenuity and technological prowess, stands as a beacon of convenience and efficiency. Its ability to respond to voice commands without the need for an internet connection or smart assistant device makes it an ideal solution for those seeking a simple yet effective way to control their home appliances. As voice-activation technology continues to advance, we can anticipate even more innovative and groundbreaking applications that will redefine the way we interact with our surroundings.
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