GLaDOS Voice Assistant
The GLaDOS Voice Assistant is a DIY voice assistant project inspired by the GLaDOS character from the popular Portal video game series. This project is celebrated for its unique approach to home automation, featuring in tech blogs and news outlets such as Hackday, Tom's Hardware, and PCGamer, and even reaching platforms like YouTube for various tutorials and overviews.
Project Overview
The GLaDOS Voice Assistant is predominantly programmed in Python and is currently a work in progress. While new versions aren't compatible with Raspberry Pi due to certain technical limitations, enthusiasts can still explore older versions suited for this hardware.
The project highlights an array of features:
- Local Trigger Word Detection: Utilizing PocketSphinx, the assistant detects specific trigger words locally.
- GLaDOS Text-to-Speech Engine: With the glados-tts model by R2D2FISH, it generates GLaDOS’s iconic voice.
- Speech-to-Text Processing: Initially using Google’s API, it translates spoken language into text.
- Local TTS Cache: For efficiency, it stores frequently used responses for immediate playback.
- Animatronic Features: Equipped with an animatronic eye controlled by servos and a round LCD for displaying different expressions.
- Home Automation Integration: Seamlessly connects with Home Assistant to control home devices and provide spoken notifications.
Capabilities
The GLaDOS Voice Assistant goes beyond typical voice command functionalities. It can:
- Provide time updates.
- Control lighting and smart devices.
- Deliver weather forecasts.
- Manage shopping lists.
- Offer sensor data readings.
- Entertain with jokes or magic 8-ball answers.
- Offer humorous judgmental or playful remarks.
Integration with Home Assistant
To fully leverage its home automation capabilities, it integrates with Home Assistant through local APIs. Users can configure their home systems to communicate with the assistant, allowing GLaDOS to execute commands and announce notifications within the household.
Technical Setup
The setup includes several components and libraries. Users must install Python, PyAudio, PocketSphinx and more on a system typically running Ubuntu. After downloading the project from GitHub, users can follow detailed instructions to configure and launch the assistant. It requires adjustments in system files to recognize audio hardware and integrate smoothly with home automation tools.
Hardware Requirements
While specific models aren't mandatory, the project's developer, Nerdaxic, used the following components:
- A basic i7 laptop with Ubuntu operating system.
- A Teensy 4 microcontroller for eye movements and lighting.
- NeoPixel lights for the "REC" feature and a round LCD for the eye display.
- A quality audio system powered by an Adafruit audio amplifier and Visaton speakers.
- A ReSpeaker Mic Array for high-quality voice capturing.
- Reliable power supply and servo controllers for animatronic features.
This exciting project presents a sophisticated blend of software and hardware, allowing tech enthusiasts to create an engaging and interactive assistant that mirrors one of gaming's most recognizable AI personalities. Whether for functional automation or for the joy of tinkering, the GLaDOS Voice Assistant is a notable endeavor for anyone interested in voice assistant technologies.