Introduction:
The Raspberry Pi is a great single-board computer that has revolutionized the computing world with its low-cost design and versatility. It is a powerful platform for hobbyists, educators, and even professionals looking to experiment with new technology. One way to unlock even more potential with the Raspberry Pi is by installing the Mycroft AI assistant.
In this guide, we will walk you through the steps to easily install the Mycroft AI assistant on your Raspberry Pi, and show you how this amazing tool can transform your Raspberry Pi experience.
What is Mycroft AI assistant?
Mycroft AI assistant is an open-source AI tool that aims to make AI accessible to everyone. It is a powerful technological innovation that can be installed on various devices, such as the Raspberry Pi, Linux devices, and even Windows, and can perform various tasks depending on the user’s preference.
It can do a lot of things, like playing music, creating to-do lists, controlling smart home devices, answering random questions, and many more. With voice recognition and natural language processing capabilities, Mycroft can understand and respond to natural human commands, making it a powerful tool for any Raspberry Pi enthusiast.
Why install Mycroft on Raspberry Pi?
By installing the Mycroft AI assistant on Raspberry Pi, you open up a world of possibilities. It allows you to command the Raspberry Pi with your voice, which is not only fun, but also helpful in situations where using the keyboard or a mouse is not convenient.
In addition, Mycroft AI assistant can help you automate tasks on your Raspberry Pi, making it perfect for those who use their Raspberry Pi as a personal assistant or a smart home controller. By using voice commands, you can perform tasks like activating smart home devices or turning on lights, without needing your mobile device.
How to Install Mycroft on Raspberry Pi:
Installing Mycroft on the Raspberry Pi is an easy process that can be completed in a few simple steps. Here’s how you can install it:
- Update your Raspberry Pi:
To ensure that your Raspberry Pi is up-to-date, open the terminal and type the following commands:
sudo apt-get update && sudo apt-get upgrade -y
This command will download and install any available updates, making sure that your Raspberry Pi is running smoothly.
- Download Mycroft installation scripts:
Once your Raspberry Pi is up-to-date, you need to get the Mycroft installation scripts. Type the following commands on the terminal:
cd ~/
git clone https://github.com/MycroftAI/auto-installer.git
This command will download the script files for Mycroft. Make sure to use an up-to-date repository so you don’t get any errors.
- Run the installer:
With the Mycroft installation scripts downloaded, you can now install Mycroft AI assistant. Type the following commands on the terminal:
cd auto-installer/
./build_host_setup.bash
./build_mycroft.bash all
This command will run the installer, which may take a few minutes to complete. During the installation, you will be asked to input some information like your timezone and desired language. Simply answer the prompts to continue.
- Test Mycroft AI:
With the installation completed, you can now test your Mycroft AI assistant by saying “Hey, Mycroft” and asking it a question or giving it commands. Mycroft should respond, showing that it is now installed and working properly.
Conclusion:
As you can see, installing Mycroft AI assistant on the Raspberry Pi is a simple process that can bring a lot of value to your computing setup. With Mycroft, you can control your Raspberry Pi with your voice, make it into a personal assistant or a smart home controller, and so much more.
So, if you’re ready to unlock the power of your Raspberry Pi, install Mycroft AI assistant today and experience the future of AI computing.
Personal assistants like Alexa and Google Home are extremely popular right now, and interest is only growing. It’s not too hard to envision a near future where just about every home has its own AI assistant.
What if you don’t want a huge corporation having a direct line into your home? Maybe you want to build your own to understand how they work? Mycroft is the solution. Mycroft is an open-source AI assistant that aims to compete with the likes of Alexa and Google. No, Mycroft isn’t entirely there yet, but the project is still in active development.
Mycroft is based on the hugely popular Raspberry Pi, so you can actually set up your own with a Pi and test it out.
What You’ll Need
If you want to use all of Mycroft’s functionality, you’ll need a a few things for your setup.
- MicroSD card with Mycroft
- Raspberry Pi 3
- Micro USB power cable for the Pi
- USB speaker (or combo USB speaker/microphone)
- USB Microphone
Get the Image
Mycroft provides an image read for you to install on your Raspberry Pi. You can download the image here. If something changes, and that link no longer works, check the download page.
Install Etcher
Etcher is an excellent program for writing images to your MicroSD card. Head over to Etcher.io and install the version for your computer’s operating system. It has a fairly basic installer, so there’s not much to worry about. Just follow the provided instructions.
Create Your Card
Insert your MicroSD card into your computer’s reader and launch Etcher. The utility has a super simple interface. First, select the file that you want to write to your card. Then, select the location of your card on the computer. When you’re absolutely certain that both are correct, write to your card. It’ll take a few minutes, but Etcher will prompt you when it finishes.
Create a Mycroft Account
Mycroft has an accounts system so you can keep track of devices and get more accurate information. This is an open-source project, not an advertising platform. Before you put your Pi together, set up your account.
Set Up Your Pi
When the card is finished writing, remove it from your computer and insert it into the Raspberry Pi. Connect the speaker and microphone to the Pi. Finally, plug your Rasbperry Pi in. Mycroft will start up.
Boot and Try It
Mycroft will start up immediately and start talking to you. It will give you a six-digit code for you to link your device to your Mycroft account. It will also tell you exactly where to enter in your code.
Once your Mycroft is linked, it’ll run through some more setup by itself. After it’s done, you can start trying out the built-in commands that it has. Mycroft commands are called “Skills.” The list of skills is ever-growing, so refer to the reference on the project Github. There are community-created skills available, too, if you get bored.
That’s it! Remember that Mycroft is still under very active development, so some things might change, and there still may be bugs. If you like Mycroft, you can contribute to the project or even write your own skills.
Nick is a freelance tech. journalist, Linux enthusiast, and a long time PC gamer.
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