Innovative smart home projects for a beginner in robotics 2024

Training a custom ML model on pictures of my pup

I have always been a fan of automation and home improvements, but time constraints and a reluctance to invest in off-the-shelf solutions that may not meet my specific needs held me back from exploring this interest further. What if there was an app that lets you build a smart device yourself, faster than it takes for a store-bought one to be shipped to your door?

In this blog post, you’ll find a list of DIY smart home projects using Viam, a smart device and robotics software, perfect for beginner robot building. They’re budget-friendly and easy to start with, especially if you’re just getting into robotics or have a hectic schedule.

Create your very own smart pet feeder using machine learning (link)

Testing the smart device’s components from the Control tab in Viam’s app.

Imagine getting a few extra moments of sleep before you start your workday? With this diy robot, you’ll automate your pet’s morning meal and give them a few extra treats while away using computer vision and machine learning.

Difficulty Level: Easy

Viam Services & Components: Shopping List: Steps:

• Assemble all of your hardware components.
• Configure and test your robot in the Viam app.
• Put the pet feeder in front of your beloved pet and check your camera.
• Start collecting pictures of your pet in the Data Manager
• Create a dataset and tag all the pictures of your pet.
• Train a model on your pet dataset.
• Deploy your custom machine-learning model onto your robot.
• Control the pet feeder with some code.
• Watch your pet eat treats whenever the pet feeder sees your pet!

Make a facial verification system for home security (link)

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Image of the facial verification system in action.

Transform your home security with a DIY facial verification system. Ditch the limitations of off-the-shelf options and create a system that recognizes family and friends, allowing them access and even sends text alerts for doorbell rings.

Utilize the machine learning capabilities of the Viam platform to build a smart security system with just a board and a camera. It will intelligently disarm the alarm if it identifies an approved face after detecting someone. Simple, effective, and uniquely yours.

Difficulty Level: Easy

Viam Services & Components: Shopping List: Steps:

• Create a new machine in the Viam app and install viam-server on your new machine.
• Configure your camera component and test it in the Control tab.
• Set up your security camera in your desired location in your home.
• Capture images of your family members and create a dataset for people you want to identify with your robot.
• Train a model on your dataset.
• Configure a facial detector using that trained model.
• Configure a verification system and configure a transform camera.
• Watch your verification system in action!

Make a drink-carrying robot for your house (link)

Image of the robot Tipsy delivering drinks to guests at a party.

Getting up from your couch for a beverage is a thing of the past. Having a personal robot assistant that transports beverages, snacks, or pretty much whatever you want in between the rooms of your house is easier than you think.

With a rover base, camera, ultrasonic sensors, and batteries, you can have your very own smart drink-carrying robot in your home!

Difficulty Level: Intermediate

Viam Services & Components: Steps

• Set up your robot’s board and base
• Configure the camera and ultrasonic sensor
• Configure an ML Model Service to detect people and objects
• Set up a detection camera
• Write some robot logic that detects obstacles and moves the base around to your desired person
• Enjoy your robot-delivered treats

The integration of robots and smart machines into our homes is more than futuristic fantasy; it’s a current reality changing our daily lives.

Imagine the convenience of a drink-carrying robot that quenches your thirst, the security of a custom-tailored home system, or the ease of a smart pet feeder caring for your pet in your absence. These projects are not just fun but also great starting points for learning how to build simple robots with Viam.

Dive into the types of smart machines you can create and explore building your own robot. What will your first project be? Join Viam’s online community, draw inspiration from others, and share your creations to be featured on our socials!

Originally published at https://www.viam.com.