Switching lights and AC on and off by just talking to AlexaEcho!
The number of smart speakers sold had reached 30 million units worldwide in the second quarter this year with a growth rate of 6% compared to the first quarter. Amazon Echo shipment continually holds its no.1 position among the industry with a 21.6% market share. Based on the statistic, in every hundred smart speaker purchasers, more than half of them would also choose to purchase other smart home devices. Amazon Alexa, the biggest virtual assistant AI service platform worldwide, allows users to easily create a smart-home environment by controlling compatible smart home devices such as smart light bulbs, smart lock, smart switch, and smart plug by giving verbal directions thru Amazon Echo.
Q1: How Does Amazon Echo smart speaker control smart home devices?
The first step of using Amazon Echo as a command center is to connect and authorize all compatible smart devices to Echo via Amazon Alexa APP on mobile. Before using Amazon Echo, users also need to connect it to Amazon Alexa APP. The main purpose of the Amazon Alexa App is to integrate all smart devices together and command under one interface so users can operate easily.
Q2: One can only use Amazon Echo smart speaker to control smart home devices?
- other than using voice to control smart home devices via Amazon Echo
- one can also use voice to control smart home devices via Amazon Alexa APP
Q3: How do developers come up with Alexa-compatible smart home devices?
Using the Nuvoton integrated Alexa Connect Kit (ACK) module, developers can easily integrate Alexa service to devices. Moreover, to use Amazon Echo or Amazon Alexa APP to voice control smart home devices.
3 Further benefit in terms of development
No need to code with Alexa skill
No need to manage Amazon Cloud
No need to develop complicated internet, OTA, and security firmware before connecting products to the Alexa service.
Q4: How can I acquire Alexa Connect Kit (ACK) module?
Developers can leverage the NuMaker-M032SE development board with USI MT7697H development kit to speed up ACK product development process.
- ACK Development Kit - USI MT7697H ACK Development Kit
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07WJGSCH2
- ACK HMCU Development Kits - NuMaker-M032SE development board
https://www.nuvoton.com/board/numaker-m032se
Q5: Other than acquiring two modules, what other development tools are required before development starts?
Require hardware
- An ACK module board (USI MT7697H development kit)
- A development board for ACK HMCU (NuMaker-M032SE board)
- An internet-accessible Wi-Fi router
- A mobile phone with Alexa APP
- A LED, a Dupont line, and a USB Micro line
Require software
- Keil MDK 5.26
- Nu-Link Keil drivers
- Python-3.8 environment
Operating details
Leveraging ACK development kit listed above to achieve Alexa receiving voice direction from Alexa Cloud and pass orders to ACK Host MCU (NuMaker-M032SE board) via UART interface. e.g., turn on / off light or dimming the light.
Apart from lighting control, ACK also supports other smart home devices (such as oven, fan, thermostat, and coffee machine) via API integration.