Raspberry Pi has got to be one of the most versatile computers ever made. Now, Google is making do-it-yourself artificial intelligence projects possible with the help of the first AIY Projects kit.
AIY Projects
Creativity is a word often associated with artists, but one has to remember that many technological advances that we are enjoying now were made through the bold combination of creativity and innovation. Perhaps one of the biggest technology creativity boosters is the Raspberry Pi, the most popular single board computer in the world of digital making.
Starting with voice recognition, Google has announced that they will be releasing a series of reference kits that would allow Makers to develop their own AI projects to make human-machine interaction seem more human-human, just like in the most popular smart home devices.
According to Google's Developer Blog, the first kit in the series will allow Makers to replace physical buttons and digital displays on consumer electronics and household appliances, as well as smartphone or app-controlled devices by providing voice and speech recognition. Basically, as Google's blog post says, just talk to it.
What's more, the kit would also allow Makers to create devices with assistive capabilities just like an even more personalized smart assistant.
The first kit includes a Voice Hardware Accessory on Top (HAT) containing hardware for both capturing and playing back audio. It was tested and designed with the Raspberry Pi 3 Model B, and features easy-to-use connectors, for the speaker and dual mic daughter board, and an optional barrel connector for power supply.
The Voice Kit is just the first AIY Project, and Google states that there are more that are currently in the works. As of now, the kits are sold at more than 500 Barnes & Noble stores nationwide, as well as select stores in the UK.
Raspberry Pi And Artificial Intelligence
Not that Raspberry Pi hasn't been used to create personalized smart home devices or home media before, but the AIY Project kits will allow for more innovative creations among Makers, especially since it is easy to find and build.
In April, Microsoft's Windows 10 Creators update enables Cortana to support Raspberry Pi, hence allowing Makers to build technology that can support voice commands through Cortana. Google's AIY Projects just adds to the environment of fostering inventors and innovative Makers.
Really, innovation comes easier with the Raspberry Pi. For now, even though they've only released the first kit in the series, Google is encouraging Makers to document and share their AIY Projects creations on hackster.io.
