56/KIT: Google AIY Voice

This project utilizes the raspberry pi, but not like a standard desktop computer, but rather as your very own crude Google home assistant. I meant it crudely because it has the basic functions of the authentic Google home, but it has several other features missing.

<Voice box>

Still, it works enough that it can keep track of time, do your shopping list, and many more. This project first started out as a kit, so it requires assembly according to the instructions.

Not only do you have to create the circuit with the raspberry pi, but you also have to assemble the case using the cardboard piece, which you fold to make it an enclosure for the internals.

<Circuitry>

For the circuitry, you will need to have a Raspberry Pi itself. Model 3 B in this particular kit version is the best candidate for this job. You will need to make sure that you burned the modified version of Raspian, which has the AIY software, to the micro sd card, and insert it into the slot from the raspberry pi. You also need to insert the hat module onto the Pi, and wire up the switch, speaker, and microphone according to the instructions.

<Assembled>

Once you got it to work, you can now assemble the box, which is easy to do, since you have to follow the creases, and attaches the tabs to the slots. If you did it right, you will have a cardboard enclosure for your electronics.

Once you got the enclosure, insert the speaker by sliding it inside the front side of the box, and the pi/hat to the big space on the bottom of the box. Attach the speaker and microphone and switch to the lid, and close it all up.

If you did it correctly, and follow the instructions for setting up the google home assistant, you are finally able to use it like any other model of Google home. However, there are improvements that you can do to make it look amazing.

<Back view>

One of the flaws of cardboard is that it's weak, and it's not waterproof, so to get around this, you can 3d print the google home enclosure as shown. That way, it's waterproof enough that it will not harm your electronics.

You can also make it portable by adding li-ion batteries in parallel, and then adding the boost converter for 5 volts, and add the tp4056 module, and connect it to the batteries so that you can charge it.

There are many possibilities for Google AIY, but it's best used as an assistant for your home.