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Final Year Report (Phase1)

This document discusses the development of a home automation system utilizing Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant for voice control of smart home devices. It outlines the system architecture, methodology, and components involved, emphasizing the integration of voice recognition technology to enhance user convenience and efficiency. The project aims to create a cost-effective solution for home automation, making it accessible to a wider audience, particularly in regions where traditional systems are expensive.

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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
19 views30 pages

Final Year Report (Phase1)

This document discusses the development of a home automation system utilizing Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant for voice control of smart home devices. It outlines the system architecture, methodology, and components involved, emphasizing the integration of voice recognition technology to enhance user convenience and efficiency. The project aims to create a cost-effective solution for home automation, making it accessible to a wider audience, particularly in regions where traditional systems are expensive.

Uploaded by

Vamsi komakul
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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CHAPTER.

1
INTRODUCTION

1.1 Overview

Home automation using Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa enables users to control various smart home
devices through voice commands, making home environments more convenient, efficient, and secure. These
platforms connect compatible devices like lights, thermostats, cameras, and speakers into one system,
allowing users to operate them through a smartphone app, voice commands, or automation routines.

Voice recognition has emerged as a result of machine interaction. When a user commands something
specific, speech recognition uses built-in algorithms and programs to interact with them. If calibrated
correctly, home automation can be extended to companies and makes it possible to control lighting and other
appliances. For different types of applications, automation calibration and setting are not always the same.

To achieve certain requirements, engineers employ sophisticated calibrations and algorithms. To build a
smart city, automation is necessary. It is involved in a variety of operations, including monitoring of water,
sewage, and traffic. Smart home system incorporates metering for light, moisture, and other factors in the
home, together with security management and appliance control. For a home appliance to function as an
intelligent smart device, it must be connected via IOT or another method. Amazon created the Amazon Echo
Dot, a smart speaker. It is equipped with an interactive artificial intelligence called "Alexa" that has been
programmed within. The gadget can play music, podcasts, weather reports, and other content. It can be used
in smart home systems to provide home monitoring in addition to controlling appliances. Low-cost systems
are needed in India because home automation systems there are highly expensive. Buildings and households
may automate at little cost with Alexa integrated solutions. Register the names of the connected devices as
smart devices and turn on home automation using the Alexa app and server. IoT is taking the world by storm
not only because it makes life easier but also much more efficient. Every now and then a new path breaking
technology is made with the help of IoT. So ultimately humans would no longer need to rely on
conventional machines which work slower and take more effort. Such one is our intent to put forth this
project which brings appliances of daily usage and internet together to serve for an advancement in
electronics and machine to machine communication. This is a prototype home automation system which can
control your daily usage appliances like fan, lights and other loads through a tap of a button on your device.
To enhance usage of wireless fidelity and reduce usage of sensors embedded on each appliance we introduce
the usage of APIs and wireless modules. The main objective of this project is to develop a home automation
1
system using an ESP32 NodeMCU with being remotely controlled by any smartphone via voice control.
Modern houses are gradually shifting from conventional switches to centralized control system, involving
remote controlled switches. Ever thought of a life where you could just command your home appliances to
work as you need just by using your voice? Gone are the days where you have to be a billionaire to have an
automated house which is voice activated. With this project prototype we can control electronic appliances
like T.V, fans, light set cover the internet with your voice and that to under a low budget. Home automation
is anything that enables you to use your home’s lighting, heating and appliances more conveniently and
efficiently. It can be as simple as remote or automatic control of a few lights, or it can be a complete system
that controls all major parts of your home. Custom set to your own personal preference. It focuses on
wireless home automation technologies -these are easy to retrofit into existing homes now need for new
wiring and no ripping up the carpets or drilling holes in the walls. Each technology has its own unique
features and benefits that makes some more suited to particular applications, whilst others can be seen for all
general home automation installations.
The advent of smart home technology has revolutionized the way we interact with and control our living
spaces. Home automation systems offer convenient and efficient control over various household appliances,
enhancing comfort, energy efficiency, and security. One of the key advancements in this field is the
integration of voice-controlled virtual assistants, which provide intuitive and hands-free control over home
automation systems. Amazon Alexa, a prominent voice-controlled virtual assistant, has gained immense
popularity due to its extensive capabilities and wide range of compatible devices. By leveraging Alexa's
voice recognition and natural language processing capabilities, users can interact with their smart homes
simply by speaking commands. This paper focuses on the design and implementation of a home automation
system that harnesses the power of Amazon Alexa to enable voice control and monitoring of household
appliances. The main objective of this project is to develop a robust and user-friendly home automation
system that seamlessly integrates with Amazon Alexa. By utilizing Alexa's voice control capabilities, users
can effortlessly interact with their smart homes, issuing commands to control lighting, temperature,
entertainment systems, security devices, and other connected devices.
The system architecture comprises three key components: a cloud-based backend, a smart home hub, and a
mobile application. The cloud-based backend is responsible for storing and processing data, allowing for
remote access and control of devices. The smart home hub acts as the central control unit, enabling
communication between the user's voice commands and the connected devices. The mobile application
provides a user-friendly interface for managing and monitoring the smart home system, offering additional
control options and customization. To ensure seamless integration with Amazon Alexa, the system
incorporates the Amazon Alexa Skills Kit. This kit provides the necessary tools and resources to develop
custom skills that enable Alexa to understand and process voice commands specific to the home automation
system.

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By developing these skills, users can easily interact with their smart homes using voice commands tailored
to their specific needs. A case study is presented to showcase the practical application of the proposed home
automation system.
The study demonstrates how users can control and monitor various devices in a typical home environment
using voice commands through Amazon Alexa. Additionally, the results highlight the effectiveness,
convenience, and user satisfaction achieved by integrating Alexa into the home automation system. This
paper contributes to the growing field of home automation by emphasizing the benefits and possibilities of
utilizing voice-controlled virtual assistants like Amazon Alexa. The integration of Alexa provides a seamless
and intuitive interaction method, enhancing the functionality and usability of smart homes. Furthermore, it
opens up avenues for further research and enhancements in the field, exploring new ways to optimize the
user experience and expand the capabilities of voice-controlled home automation systems.

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CHAPTER.2
Methodology of proposed system.

This project proposes the implementation of a smart home automation system. Home automation means
controlling lighting, entertainment systems, and appliances with minimal human intervention, without the
use of manual switches. You can also include home security such as access control and alert systems. Home
devices connected to the Internet are an important part of the Internet of Things (“IoT”). In this home
automation system, fans, light bulbs, connectors, etc. are connected to the relay module to control four
appliances. Since these devices are configured with API (Sinric Pro), the software part of the project will
recognize the device you are trying to set up. Then you can connect the API to the Google Home app to send
commands, and the NodeMCUE SP32 Wi-Fi module will receive commands wirelessly from your
smartphone over the internet. Use the Google Home App to encode the ON / OFF signal and send it to the
server and the ESP32 board. This project requires an internet connection and will not work without an
internet connection. All configurations are programmed into the Node MCU. Use C ++ to program this
setup. When the ESP32 nodeMCU is powered by at least 3.3V, you can control the connected device by
voice command via Google Voice Assistant. Device status, power consumption, online status, network
details, etc. can be monitored via both WebAPI and mobile applications.
The methodology section outlines the approach and procedures used to design and implement the home
automation system using Amazon Alexa. The following steps were undertaken to achieve the desired
objectives:
System Requirements Analysis: Conducted a thorough analysis of user requirements and expectations for
the home automation system. Identified the key functionalities and features desired by users, such as device
control, monitoring, and customization options. Determined the scope of the system and the specific devices
and sensors to be integrated.
Selection of Hardware and Software Components: Researched and selected appropriate hardware
components, including smart home hubs, sensors, actuators, and devices compatible with Amazon Alexa.
Evaluated various communication protocols (e.g., Wi-Fi) for device connectivity and selected the most
suitable options. Identified and procured the necessary software tools and platforms for system development,
including the Amazon Alexa Skills Kit and cloud-based services.
System Design: Designed the system architecture, considering the cloud-based backend, smart home hub,
and mobile application components. Determined the data flow between different components and
established communication protocols. Created system diagrams and wireframes to visualize the overall
structure and interaction flow.

4
Implementation: Set up the cloud-based backend for data storage and processing, ensuring secure and
reliable access to the system. Configured the smart home hub to facilitate device control, communication,
and integration with Amazon Alexa. Developed a mobile application with a user-friendly interface for
seamless interaction and control over the home automation system.
Integration with Amazon Alexa: Utilized the Amazon Alexa Skills Kit to develop custom skills that enable
voice commands and interaction with the home automation system. Programmed the system to understand
and process voice commands specific to controlling various devices and functionalities. Tested and
iteratively refined the voice command processing logic to ensure accurate and reliable execution.
Testing and Evaluation: Conducted rigorous testing of the system's functionalities, including device control,
responsiveness to voice commands, and data accuracy. Collected user feedback and performed usability
testing to assess the system's ease of use and user satisfaction. Evaluated the system's performance in terms
of reliability, security, and scalability.
Case Study: Conducted a case study in a typical home environment to demonstrate the practical application
of the home automation system. Implemented the system in a residential setting, allowing users to control
and monitor various devices through voice commands using Amazon Alexa. Collected data and feedback
from users to evaluate the system's effectiveness, convenience, and user satisfaction.
Results and Analysis: Analyzed the results from the testing phase and case study, highlighting the system's
performance, user feedback, and satisfaction. Compared the system's benefits and advantages over
traditional control methods, emphasizing the convenience and efficiency achieved through voice control.
The methodology presented above provides a comprehensive framework for designing and implementing
the home automation system using Amazon Alexa. By following these steps, the system can be successfully
developed and evaluated to meet user requirements and deliver a seamless and user-friendly smart home
experience.

5
CHAPTER.3
Literature Survey.

Wireless Home Automation System using IoT is the system that controls the home appliances like speed of
fan, light and temperature using the mobile phone anywhere around the globe through the internet. The
global smart home purchases will surpass the 475 million mark in 2020.By 2023, the smart home industry
automation in homes will be 53.9%.31% of US broadband households own a smart speaker.118 million
people in the US engage in some form of voice search activity at least monthly. (This research was based on
US)Smart devices penetration will grow by 55% by the year 2022.
The worldwide connected home market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 25% from 2020 to 2025.
(Compound annual growth rate) 81% of consumers say they are more likely to purchase a new home that
has smart technology. Households will spend $19.4 billion to acquire smart security systems.
For energy efficiency, users can analyses the usage of each appliance from their phone. With all these
features incorporated in a single system with a good and simple user interface, this system is cost effective
and perfect for old age people living alone in their houses. Wireless Home Automation system using IoT is a
system that adopts the computers system or mobile devices to control essential home purposes and features
undoubtedly through the internet from anywhere around the world, an automated home is frequently called a
smart home. It implies saving electricity and human energy.
According to this survey, we understand that the Existing system has some problems and requires some of
the resources that cause the system to be costly. It is not as popular in Asian countries, to increase the scope
of these systems needs to be implemented with some user-friendly interfaces which will help users and gives
more efficient access to the system.

6
CHAPTER.4
System Architecture.

The working of the block diagram is shown in Figure. The 230 V supply is rectified, filtered, and made it to
operate the relay. The Echo dot is always ON waiting for the wake word. The voice command gets
processed through the Alexa cloud server. Alexacloud server has an inbuilt Voice recognition system known
as Alexa Voice Service. The commands from the cloud are received by the ESP32 which processes the
command and activates the relay. Every device is given a name inside the ESP32 through programming.
Every time the command is passed, the data is recognized from the registered server through the internet and
the proper relay is activated. IoT for Data Collection.

7
Fig.4.1 Block Diagram of proposed system

4.1 System Flow.

The below Figure Explains step by step process of working with Alexa integrated, automated system as a
flowchart:
A flowchart is a picture of the separate steps of a process in sequential order. It is a generic tool that can be
adapted for a wide variety of purposes and can be used to describe various processes, such as a
manufacturing process, an administrative or service process, or a project plan. It’s a common process
analysis tool and one of the seven basic quality tools. Elements that may be included in a flowchart are a
sequence of actions, materials or services entering or leaving the process(inputs and outputs), decisions that
must be made, people who become involved, time involved at each step, and/or process measurements.

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Fig.4.2 System Flowchart

CHAPTER.5
COMPONENTS USED

5.1Hardware Used.

1. ESP32 NodeMCU.
2. Electromechenical 4Module Relay.
3. DHT.11 Module(Temperature Sensor)
4. SPST Switch.
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5. 10k Resistor.
6. LDR
7. TSOP1838(IR Receiver)
8. Remote(For Controlling)
9. Connecting Wires.
10. Bread Board.

5.2Software Used.
1. Arduino IDE
2. Sinric Pro.
3. Amazon Alexa.
4. Google Assistant.

5.1.1 ESP32 NodeMCU.

ESP32 is a low-cost System on Chip (SoC) Microcontroller from Espressif Systems, the developers of the
famous ESP8266 SoC. It is a successor to ESP8266 SoC and comes in both single-core and dual-core
variations of the Tensilica’s 32-bit Xtensa LX6 Microprocessor with integrated Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. The
good thing about ESP32, like ESP8266 is its integrated RF components like Power Amplifier, Low-Noise
Receive Amplifier, Antenna Switch, Filters and RF Balun. This makes designing hardware around ESP32
very easy as you require very few external components.
10
Fig.5.1.1 ESP32 NodeMCU

Another important thing to know about ESP32 is that it is manufactured using TSMC’s ultra-low-power 40
nm technology. So, designing battery operated applications like wearable’s, audio equipment, baby
monitors, smart watches, etc., using ESP32 should be very easy.

Specifications of ESP32
 Single or Dual-Core 32-bit LX6 Microprocessor with clock frequency up to 240 MHz
 520 KB of SRAM, 448 KB of ROM and 16 KB of RTC SRAM.
 Supports 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi connectivity with speeds up to 150 Mbps.
 Support for both Classic Bluetooth v4.2 and BLE specifications.
 34 Programmable GPIOs.
 Up to 18 channels of 12-bit SAR ADC and 2 channels of 8-bit DAC
 Serial Connectivity include 4 x SPI, 2 x I2C, 2 x I2S, 3 x UART.
 Ethernet MAC for physical LAN Communication (requires external PHY).
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 1 Host controller for SD/SDIO/MMC and 1 Slave controller for SDIO/SPI.
 Motor PWM and up to 16-channels of LED PWM.
 Secure Boot and Flash Encryption.

ESP32 is a series of low-cost, low-power system-on-chip microcontrollers with integrated Wi-Fi and dual-
mode Bluetooth. The ESP32 series employs either a Tensilica Xtensa LX6 microprocessor in both dual-core
and single-core variations, an Xtensa LX7 dual-core microprocessor, or a single-core RISC-
V microprocessor and includes built-in antenna switches, RF balun, power amplifier, low-noise receive
amplifier, filters, and power-management modules. Commonly found either on device specific PCBs or on a
range of development boards with GPIO pins and various connectors depending on the model and
manufacturer of the board.

ESP32 is created and developed by Espressif Systems, a Chinese company based in Shanghai, and is
manufactured by TSMC using their 40 nm process. It is a successor to the ESP8266 microcontroller.

5.1.2 4 Module Electromechanically Relay.


The four-channel relay module contains four 5V relays and the associated switching and isolating
components, which makes interfacing with a microcontroller or sensor easy with minimum components and
connections. There are two terminal blocks with six terminals each, and each block is shared by two relays.
The terminals are screw type, which makes connections to mains wiring easy and changeable.
The four relays on the module are rated for 5V, which means the relay is activated when there is
approximately 5V across the coil. The contacts on each relay are specified for 250VAC and 30VDC and
10A in each case, as marked on the body of the relays.

12
The switching transistors act as a buffer between the relay coils that require high currents, and the inputs
which don’t draw much current. They amplify the input signal so that they can drive the coils to activate the
relays. The freewheeling diodes prevent voltage spikes across the transistors when the relay is turned off
since the coils are an inductive load. The indicator LEDs glow when the coil of the respective relay is
energized, indicating that the relay is active. The opt couplers form an additional layer of isolation between
the load being switched and the inputs. The isolation is optional and can be selected using the V CC selector
jumper. The input jumper contains the main V CC, GND, and input pins for easy connection using female
jumper wires.
The four-channel can be used to switch multiple loads at the same time since there are four relays on the
same module. This is useful in creating a central hub from where multiple remote loads can be powered. It is
useful for tasks like home automation where the module can be placed in the main switchboard and can be
connected to loads in other parts of the house and can be controlled from a central location using a
microcontroller.
Relay Board 5V 4 Channel is a versatile 4-channel isolated relay module designed for easy control by
various microcontrollers like Arduino, AVR, PIC, ARM, and more. With a maximum contact capacity of
AC250V 10A and DC30V 10A, it can efficiently handle a variety of appliances and equipment with high
current requirements.
This relay board features red working status indicator lights for safe operation and is suitable for a wide
range of applications including MCU control, industrial automation, PLC control, and smart home systems.
Each relay can be individually controlled for switching on/off via optoisolated digital inputs, which can be
directly connected to microcontroller output pins. Notably, the board requires only approximately 1.0V to
switch inputs on, but it can handle input voltages up to 5V, making it compatible with devices ranging from
1.0V to 5V, thereby offering flexibility in usage scenarios.

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Fig.5.1.2 4Channel Relay Module.

Four-Channel Relay Module Specifications.

 Supply voltage – 3.75V to 6V


 Trigger current – 5mA
 Current when the relay is active - ~70mA (single), ~300mA (all four)
 Relay maximum contact voltage – 250VAC, 30VDC
 Relay maximum current – 10A

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5.1.3 DHT 11 (Temperature Sensor)

The DHT11 is a commonly used Temperature and humidity sensor that comes with a dedicated NTC to
measure temperature and an 8-bit microcontroller to output the values of temperature and humidity as serial
data.

Fig.5.1.3 DHT 11 (Temperature Sensor)

DHT11 Specifications

 Operating Voltage: 3.5V to 5.5V


 Operating current: 0.3mA (measuring) 60uA (standby)
 Output: Serial data
 Temperature Range: 0°C to 50°C
 Humidity Range: 20% to 90%
 Resolution: Temperature and Humidity both are 16-bit
 Accuracy: ±1°C and ±1%

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5.1.4 SPST Switch.

A switch is a mechanical or controlling device that changes the flow of current direction or interrupts the
flow of current within a circuit. Switches are designed in different configurations based on the requirements.
They include various sets of contacts that are controlled through a similar knob. These contacts may
function sequentially, alternately, or simultaneously. Almost all electronic or electrical systems include a
minimum of one switch to turn ON/OFF the device. There are different types of switches available like
DPST, DPDT, SPDT, and SPST switch. This article discusses one of these types namely the SPST switch
and its working with applications.
The term “SPST” in an SPST switch stands for “Single Pole Single Throw” which includes a single input
and a single output. Here, a single input is directly connected to a single output. The main function of this
switch is to control the circuit by turning ON/OFF. Once the switch in the circuit is closed, then the circuit
will be turned ON whereas the switch is not closed or open, then the circuit will be turned off. The SPST
switch example is the 25KV railway DC voltage system & a household lamp switch.

Fig.5.1.4 SPST Switch

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5.1.5 10k Registor
10K ohm Carbon Film Resistors are typical axial-lead resistors, which have much better temperature
stability and provide lower noise, and are generally better for high frequency or radiofrequency applications.
A 10k ohm resistor has 4 color bands: brown, black, orange, and gold for 5% tolerance, respectively.
The first two bands signify the digits while the third one is the multiplier while fourth are tolerance. This is
true in the case of four bands 10k resistors. If there is a fifth band, then the fifth band shows tolerance. Every
color band has a specific value. You can easily get these values from Google. If you are buying a 10k
resistor, then you can find all the necessary information in the package. For many people, these codes are
confusing, but they are so simple. Once you learn the codes and values then, calculating the resistance eyes
is easy.
If you’re four-band 10k resistor has brown, black, orange, and gold stripes. Then the brown strip has 1
value, the brown strip has 10 values, and the orange strip has 1000. Fourth is ±5%. That’s why it is
1×10×1000=10k±5% ohm.

Fig.5.1.5 10k Registor

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5.1.6 LDR

LDR is an acronym for Light Dependent Resistor. LDRs are tiny light-sensing devices also known
as photo resistors. An LDR is a resistor whose resistance changes as the amount of light falling on it
changes. The resistance of the LDR decreases with an increase in light intensity, and vice-versa. This
property allows us to use them for making light sensing circuits’

For using an LDR, we always have to make a voltage divider circuit. When the value of resistance of LDR
increases in comparison to the fixed resistance, the voltage across it also increases.

LDRs are tiny light-sensing devices also known as photo resistors. An LDR is a resistor whose resistance
changes as the amount of light falling on it changes. The resistance of the LDR decreases with an increase in
light intensity. This property allows us to use them for making light sensing circuits. Learn what is LDR,
how does it work, how to interface it with revive and program it in PictoBlox – our Scratch blocks-based
graphical programming platform with advanced hardware interaction abilities

Fig.5.1.6 LDR

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5.1.7 TSOP1838(IR Receiver)

This is IR Receiving Head VS1838B Remote Control Receiver. The 1838B is miniaturized infrared
receivers for remote control and other applications requiring improved ambient light rejection. The separate
PIN diode and preamplifier IC are assembled on a single lead frame. The epoxy package contains a special
IR filter. This module has excellent performance even in disturbed ambient light applications and provides
protection against uncontrolled output pulses. Use this IR Receiver Diode – TSOP38238, a simple IR
receiver for the infrared remote control of your next project. With low power consumption and an easy-to-
use package, it mates well with embedded electronics and can be used with common IR remotes. Featured
by Sharvi Electronics the TSOP382 is a miniaturized receiver for infrared remote control systems. A PIN
diode and a preamplifier are assembled on a lead frame while the epoxy package acts as an IR filter. The
demodulated output signal can be directly decoded by a microprocessor. The TSOP382 is compatible with
all common IR remote control data formats.

Fig.5.1.7 IR Receiver.

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5.1.8 Remote(For Controlling)

IR Sensor, Infrared sensor technology is used for the purpose of communicating with remotely controlled
devices, such as television remote controls. When you press a control button, the sensor receives an infrared
signal and then controls the device. This sensor is an electronic device that employs infrared radiation to
detect and measure ambient light levels. It is possible to integrate an IR remote controller with Arduino or
ESP32 in order to control devices such as televisions, audio systems, lighting controls, and other home
electronic appliances.

Fig.5.1.8 IR Remote.

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5.1.9 Connecting Wires.

Jump wires (also called jumper wires) for solder less bread boarding can be obtained in ready-to-use jump
wire sets or can be manually manufactured. The latter can become tedious work for larger circuits. Ready-
to-use jump wires come in different qualities, some even with tiny plugs attached to the wire ends. Jump
wire material for ready-made or homemade wires should usually be 22 AWG (0.33 mm2) solid copper, tin-
plated wire - assuming no tiny plugs are to be attached to the wire ends.
The wire ends should be stripped 3⁄16 to 5⁄16 in (4.8 to 7.9 mm). Shorter stripped wires might result in bad
contact with the board's spring clips (insulation being caught in the springs). Longer stripped wires increase
the likelihood of short-circuits on the board. Needle-nose pliers and tweezers are helpful when inserting or
removing wires, particularly on crowded boards.
Differently colored wires and color-coding discipline are often adhered to for consistency. However, the
number of available colors is typically far fewer than the number of signal types or paths. Typically, a few
wire colors are reserved for the supply voltages and ground (e.g., red, blue, black), some are reserved for
main signals, and the rest are simply used were convenient. Some ready-to-use jump wire sets use the color
to indicate the length of the wires, but these sets do not allow a meaningful color-coding schema.
Jumper wires are simply wires that have connector pins at each end, allowing them to be used to connect
two points to each other without soldering. Jumper wires are typically used with breadboards and other
prototyping tools in order to make it easy to change a circuit as needed. Fairly simple. In fact, it doesn’t get
much more basic than jumper wires.
Though jumper wires come in a variety of colors, the colors don’t actually mean anything. This means that a
red jumper wire is technically the same as a black one. =\7But the colors can be used to your advantage in
order to differentiate between types of connections, such as ground or power.

21
Fig.5.1.9 Connecting Wires.

5.1.10 Breadboard.

Breadboards are one of the most fundamental pieces when learning how to build circuits. In this tutorial, you
will learn a little bit about what breadboards are, why they are called breadboards, and how to use one. Once
you are done you should have a basic understanding of how breadboards work and be able to build a basic
circuit on a breadboard.

Breadboards are designed to work with through-hole electronic components. These components have long
metal leads that are designed to be inserted through holes in a printed circuit board (PCB) that are plated
with a thin copper coating, which allows the components' leads to be soldered to the board.

The breadboard is a white rectangular board with small embedded holes to insert electronic components. It
is commonly used in electronics projects. We can also say that breadboard is a prototype that acts as a
construction base of electron.

Fig.5.1.10 Breadboard.

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5.2 Software Used.

5.2.1 Arduino IDE.


The Arduino Integrated Development Environment - or Arduino Software (IDE) - contains a text editor for
writing code, a message area, a text console, a toolbar with buttons for common functions, and a series of
menus. It connects to the Arduino hardware to upload programs and communicate with them.
The Arduino IDE is a cross-platform Java application that serves as a code editor and compiler and is also
capable of transferring firmware serially to the board. The development environment is based on Processing,
an IDE designed to introduce programming to artists unfamiliar with software development. The
programming language is derived from Wiring, a C-like language that provides similar functionality for a
more tightly restricted board design, whose IDE is also based on Processing.
The Arduino IDE is open source software used to write code and upload it to your Arduino board. Programs
or code written in the Arduino IDE are often referred to as sketches. To upload sketches written in the
Arduino IDE software, you need to connect the Genuino and Arduino boards to the IDE. The upload button
compiles and executes the code written on the screen. In addition, upload the code to the connected board.
Before uploading a sketch, you need to make sure that the correct board and port are selected. After
completing all the above actions, click the Upload button on the toolbar. The latest Arduino board can be
reset automatically before you start uploading. On older boards, you need to press the reset button on the
board.

23
Fig.5.2.1 Overview of Arduino IDE.

5.5.2 Sinric Pro

The API used in this project is Sinric Pro. Sinric Pro enables developers to integrate IoT development boards
(such as the RaspberryPi) with third-party applications or with Amazon Alexa and Google Home. The API
can be used to retrieve device logs, find devices, update devices, and get account details. The Sinric Pro API
features REST architecture, Tokens for authentication, and JSON responses. We need to connect to the API
and out of various options and features provided, we need to select add a device and add the device of our
choice in our case it is a switch as we simply need to turn on and off a relay channel. Each device will be
provided with a unique device ID which will help us to identify and initialize our device in real time. This
device ID would go into our code which will be uploaded to our ESP8266 NodeMCU.

5.2.3 Amazon Alexa.

Amazon Alexa, also known simply as Alexa, is a virtual assistant technology largely based on a Polish
speech synthesizer named Ivana, bought by Amazon in 2013.It was first used in the Amazon Echo smart
speaker and the Echo Dot, Echo Studio, and Amazon Tap speakers developed by Amazon Lab126. It is
capable of voice interaction, music playback, making to-do lists, setting alarms, streaming podcasts, playing
audiobooks, and providing weather, traffic, sports, and other real-time information, such as news. Alexa can
also control several smart devices using itself as a home automation system. Users are able to extend the
Alexa capabilities by installing” skills” (additional functionality developed by third-party vendors, in other

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settings more commonly calledapps) such as weather programs and audio features. It uses automatic speech
recognition, natural language processing, and other forms of weak AI to perform these tasks.

Fig.5.2.3 Amazon Alexa Home Screen.

CHAPTER.6
Advantages.
Home automation with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa offers several advantages:

1. Convenience: Voice control allows you to manage devices hands-free, making it easier to control
lights, thermostats, and appliances without needing to physically interact with them.

2. Integration: Both platforms support a wide range of smart devices, enabling seamless integration of
different brands and types of technology in your home.

3. Customization: You can create routines and automations, such as setting the lights to dim and the
thermostat to adjust at a certain time, enhancing your daily routine.

4. Remote Access: Control your smart home devices from anywhere using your smartphone, providing
peace of mind and flexibility.

5. Energy Efficiency: Automating your heating, cooling, and lighting can help reduce energy
consumption, leading to cost savings on utility bills.

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6. Enhanced Security: Integrating smart security systems with these assistants allows for features like
remote monitoring, alerts, and the ability to control locks and cameras from anywhere.

7. Accessibility: Voice control makes it easier for individuals with mobility challenges to interact with
their home environment.

8. Smart Notifications: Receive alerts and notifications about your home, such as when someone is at
the door or if there are unusual movements detected.

9. Entertainment Control: Easily manage your smart TV, speakers, and music systems with voice
commands, enhancing your entertainment experience.

10. Continuous Updates: Both platforms receive regular updates, improving functionality and adding
new features over time.

These advantages make home automation with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa not only a tech-
savvy choice but also a practical one for enhancing everyday living.

CHAPTER.7
Disadvantages/Challenges.
While home automation using Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa offers many benefits, there are also
some disadvantages to consider:

1. Privacy Concerns: Smart assistants are always listening for commands, which raise concerns about data
privacy and potential unauthorized access to personal information.

2. Dependency on Internet: Most features require a stable internet connection. If your internet goes down,
you may lose access to many automation functions.

3. Compatibility Issues: Not all smart devices are compatible with Google Assistant or Alexa, which can
limit your options for automation.

4. Learning Curve: Setting up and optimizing your smart home system can be complex, especially for users
who aren’t tech-savvy.

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5. Cost: Initial setup costs for smart devices can be high, and ongoing expenses for energy-efficient devices
can add up.

6. Limited Functionality: While voice commands are convenient, they may not support every function
available through a device's app, limiting control options.

7. Voice Recognition Errors: Misunderstandings or misinterpretations of commands can lead to frustration


or unintended actions.

8. Security Vulnerabilities: Smart devices can be targets for hackers, potentially compromising your home
network if not properly secured.

9. Reduced Manual Control: Over-reliance on automation can lead to a lack of manual control or
awareness of your home systems.

10. System Complexity: As more devices are added, managing them can become cumbersome, leading to
potential compatibility issues or confusion in routines.
Considering these disadvantages can help you make an informed decision about implementing home
automation with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa.

CHAPTER.8
Applications.
Home automation with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa can enhance various aspects of daily living.
Here are some common applications:

1. Smart Lighting: Control lights with voice commands, set schedules, and create scenes for different
activities (e.g., movie night, reading).

2. Thermostat Control: Adjust heating and cooling systems remotely or through voice commands to
optimize comfort and energy efficiency.

3. Home Security: Monitor security cameras, receive alerts for unusual activity, and control smart locks and
doorbells for enhanced security.

4. Entertainment Systems: Manage smart TVs, speakers, and streaming devices with voice commands to
play music, movies, or podcasts.
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5. Smart Appliances: Control appliances like refrigerators, ovens, and washing machines, allowing you to
check status or start tasks remotely.

6. Home Routines: Create automated routines that trigger multiple actions with a single command, such as
“Good morning” to turn on lights, start the coffee maker, and read the weather.

7. Energy Management: Monitor and control energy usage with smart plugs and switches, helping to
reduce electricity costs.

8. Voice Assistants for Information: Use voice commands to ask about weather, news updates, or general
knowledge, making information access easy and hands-free.

9. Smart Blinds and Curtains: Automate the opening and closing of blinds and curtains based on time of
day or sunlight, improving energy efficiency and privacy.

10. Intercom and Communication: Use devices as intercoms to communicate with different rooms in your
home, enhancing connectivity.
These applications make home automation with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa practical, enhancing
convenience, security, and energy efficiency in everyday life.

CHAPTER.9
Conclusion.

Voice Automated system greatly helps in automation and for helping paraplegic personssince they can’t use
remote or any other means. Voice automation is extremely helpful for blind people since normal remote-
controlled home appliance systems make use of IRremotes which has to be shown to the appliances for
control. Voice command systems can be done even by illiterate persons by simply mentioning the device
name and telling “ON” or “OFF”. These systems are highly reliable and it can be operatedevenby
integrating with Mobile phones since they operate with Wi-Fi. Hence, they can be operated from anywhere.
Systems such as Blue tooth or Wi-Fi employed remote control systems even though they are efficient, only
the registered smartphones can be used to operate the appliance. The voice-automated system eliminates the
disadvantage and makes the system accessible to everyone.
The need for smart home automation is evidently growing due to busy lifestyles and mundane routines. The
repetitive daily tasks usually take up a lot of time that could be otherwise utilized in more important
activities. A smart home application enables users to lead a stress-free life as they can manage all their

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activities effortlessly. However, developing a smart home app is a complex and time-consuming process as
it involves establishing an interconnected system. It is, therefore, essential to have a holistic approach and a
team of skilled developers to begin with. These developers are experienced in using the latest tools and
cloudbasedtechnologies to build performance-driven IoT applications to manage connected devices
effortlessly. Our home automation prototype model enables the understanding of the concept and working
involved in this cutting-edge technology and gives an exceptional insight into further developments of the
project.

CHAPTER.10
Reference.

 https://iotcircuithub.com/smart-home-with-google-assistant-alexa/
 https://www.instructables.com/Smart-Home-With-Google-Assistant-Alexa-Using-NodeM/
 https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/10128217
 https://www.hackster.io/techstudycell/smart-home-with-google-assistant-alexa-using-nodemcu-
0f5322
 https://circuitdigest.com/microcontroller-projects/esp32-smart-home-automation-google-assistant-
alexa-sinric-pro
 https://hackaday.io/project/179414-smart-home-with-google-home-alexa-using-nodemcu
 https://www.viralsciencecreativity.com/post/esp32-google-assistant-amazon-alexa-manual-home-
automation-iot-project

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