DIY Voice Assistant kit “Spencer”

Hello and welcome back, in this tutorial, we are going to introduce a DIY voice assistance education toy. It’s called Spencer and it’s based on a tiny but super powerful chip called ESP32. This gadget is perfect for kids aged 11 and up. With Spencer, you can learn how to solder, put together hardware, write code, connect to the internet, and even dabble in artificial intelligence!

And with this kit, we can learn Python programming. For that, we can use the CircuitBlocks IDE. It is very simple and anyone can use it and we can see Python code generation automatically. Spencer comes pre-loaded with lots of voice commands that you can try out. It feels like having your very own personal assistant! Plus, you can create your programs and display them on its cool LED screen. If you’re into programming and having fun with technology, Spencer is the perfect kit for you!

• More info about this kit — Click on me

OK, let’s unbox and assemble this kit. You can buy this kit using the link below.

• Spenser Voice Assistance kit — Click on me

Step 1

Firstly, unbox this kit and identify the one-by-one components.

Step 2

Secondly, wear the safety glass and turn on the soldering iron. Then set the temperature to 350° by pressing the + button.

Step 3

Thirdly, place the female headers on the LED display and solder them.

Step 4

Next, connect the LED correctly to the push button. Use the image below for that. Then place them on the main board and solder them. Use cutting pliers to remove unwanted parts. After that, turn off the soldering iron and clean the soldering bit using the sponge.

Step 5

Now, remove the protective stickers on the acrylic sheets. Then, attach the LED screen to the front sheet. Use the four nuts and bolts for that.

Step 6

Next, install the speaker on the back side sheet. Use the four nuts and bolts for that.

Step 7

And then, paste the Spencer legs and arms stickers.

Step 8

Now, install the legs on the side sheets. For that, use the nuts and bolts.

Step 9

After that, connect the plastic spacers together. Then, connect it to the side sheet with Spencer’s arm part.

Step 10

Next, connect the bottom part to the front part. After that, connect the speaker connector to the main board and connect this sheet to the main board.

Step 11

Now, connect the front, back, and bottom parts together. Then, install the sides parts with Spencer’s arm. For that, use one nut. Then, connect the big red button.

Step 12

Next, install the Spencer’s base holding sponges and connect the Spencer to the computer.

Step 13

Now, go to the Circuitblocks IDE using the following link. For that, you need to create a new account and log in to your account.

• Circuitblocks — Click on me

Step 14

Next, click the Spencer setting button and enter your WIFI SSID and password. Then, click the Temperature type and click the “Save an close” button. Now you can try following voice commands by pressing the big red button.

• Tell me a joke!
• What’s your name?
• Who are you?
• How are you?
• How are you feeling?
• What can you do?
• What’s the weather like today?
• What’s the weather like tomorrow?
• Do you believe in horoscope?
• Can you predict my future?
• How old are you?
• When were you born?
• Do you have a girlfriend?
• Do you have a boyfriend?
• What is your favourite colour?
• Do you have a brother?
• Do you have a sister?
• Who is your creator?
• Who designed you?
• Who made you?
• Who is your maker?
• What is the purpose of life?
• What should I do with my life?
• Did you find the meaning of life?
• Where do you come from?
• Where is your home?
• Where did you come from?
• Can you switch to a different language?
• Can you change your speech to a different language?

Step 15

Now let’s see how to upload a simple counter program to Spencer.

• First, click the New Project button and create a new empty project. Then, click the More Info button and install the MicroPython.

• Now you can make a program using the code blocks. Also, you can see the Python script right side of the monitor. My example program is below.

from Spencer import *
import time

begin()

i = None

# Describe this function...
def count():
  global i
  if buttons.state(0):
    i = i + 1
    matrix.fill(0)
    matrix.text(str(i), 3, 1, 20)
    print(i)
    time.sleep_ms(200)
    if i == 9:
      i = 0


i = 0

while True:
	count()
	buttons.scan()
	matrix.commit()

• Finally, click the run button.

OK, enjoy with Your Spencer. The full video guide is below. So, we hope to see you in the next project. Have a good day.

DIY Voice Assistant kit “Spenser”