my local, AI Voice Assistant (I replaced Alexa!!)

Introduction

This tutorial will guide you through the process of creating your own local AI voice assistant using a Raspberry Pi. By following these steps, you'll replace traditional voice assistants like Alexa with a privacy-focused solution that integrates seamlessly with your home automation system, Home Assistant. You'll learn how to set up local speech-to-text capabilities and customize the assistant to meet your needs.

Step 1: Gather Required Components

Before you start setting up your local AI voice assistant, ensure you have the necessary hardware:

• Raspberry Pi 4 or 5: Choose based on availability and your performance needs.
• KEYESTUDIO ReSpeaker 2-Mic Pi HAT: This will enhance your voice recognition capabilities.
• Speakers for Raspberry Pi: Any compatible speaker will work, but ensure it has good audio output.

Practical Tips

• Purchase components from reliable online stores or local electronics shops.
• Check for compatibility with your Raspberry Pi version.

Step 2: Set Up Your Raspberry Pi

1. Install the Raspberry Pi OS:

   • Download the Raspberry Pi Imager from the official website.
   • Use the Imager to write the OS onto your SD card.
   • Insert the SD card into your Raspberry Pi and boot it up.

2. Configure your Raspberry Pi:

   • Connect to Wi-Fi.
   • Update the system using the terminal with the following commands:

     sudo apt update
     sudo apt upgrade
     

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Ensure your Raspberry Pi is properly powered to avoid boot issues.
• Double-check that your SD card is formatted correctly before installation.

Step 3: Install Home Assistant

1. Open the terminal on your Raspberry Pi.

2. Install Docker to facilitate the Home Assistant installation:

   sudo apt install docker.io
   

3. Pull the Home Assistant image:

   sudo docker pull homeassistant/home-assistant
   

4. Create and run the Home Assistant container:

   sudo docker run -d --name home-assistant --restart unless-stopped -e "TZ=YOUR_TIME_ZONE" -v /PATH_TO_YOUR_CONFIG:/config --network=host homeassistant/home-assistant
   

Practical Tips

• Replace YOUR_TIME_ZONE with your actual time zone (e.g., America/New_York).
• Ensure the path for configuration is accessible.

Step 4: Integrate Local Speech Recognition

1. Install Whisper for speech-to-text capabilities:

   • Run the following command in the terminal:

     pip install git+https://github.com/openai/whisper.git
     

2. Set up the ReSpeaker HAT:

   • Follow the manufacturer's instructions to connect the microphone and speaker to the Raspberry Pi.

3. Configure Whisper in Home Assistant for local processing.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Ensure all dependencies for Whisper are installed.
• Test the microphone and speaker after setup to confirm they are working properly.

Step 5: Customize Your Voice Assistant

1. Use the Piper TTS (Text to Speech) for voice responses:

   • Follow the installation instructions for Piper and integrate it with Home Assistant.

2. Set up custom wake words using Open Wake Word:

   • Define your wake words in the Home Assistant configuration.

3. Create commands for your assistant:

   • Use YAML configuration to define specific actions the assistant can perform.

Practical Tips

• Experiment with different voices in Piper to find one that suits your preference.
• Regularly test your commands to ensure they work as expected.

Conclusion

By following this tutorial, you've successfully set up a local AI voice assistant that prioritizes privacy and integrates with your smart home system. You can now customize it further with unique commands and personalities. Explore additional functionalities and consider integrating more features as you grow more familiar with your new assistant. Enjoy your privacy-focused home automation experience!