If you have been considering building a Raspberry Pi AI project, why not start now? With the right software and Raspberry Pi, you can turn everyday devices – like your fridge or office gadgets – into smart, AI-powered tools.

Whether you want to achieve home automation, build a personal assistant, or rethink waste management, these Raspberry Pi project ideas will inspire your creativity and enhance your skills.

We have compiled the top 5 AI-driven projects created by the Viam community for our first challenge. Let’s take a look at what they built.

1. Raspberry Pi Home Automation

Have you ever dreamed of having a smart desk that responds to your needs? This Raspberry Pi home automation project creates a contextual lighting system by integrating machine learning and robotics to make that dream come true.

With object detection and addressable LED technology, this smart desk can light up precisely when and where you need it.

Project Overview

Shopping List

• Raspberry Pi 4 with “viam-server” installed
• Webcam

For a complete hardware list, visit the full DEB-Forge tutorial.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Set up the visual system by connecting the physical components and configuring the smart machine in the app.

2. Capture gesture images and train a machine learning model for object detection.

3. Deploy and test the model by integrating the detection camera and configuring the visual and machine learning model services.

4. Connect the Neopixels to the Raspberry Pi to create the lighting system.

5. Write the main script logic using the Viam SDK to connect the visual system with the lighting.

Advice from the Creator

To effectively track hand movements, use an object detection model like YOLO instead of a simple classification model. Viam’s YOLO add-on module simplifies deployment, making it a great tool for beginners.

Get the complete tutorial for the Raspberry Pi Smart Desk:

https://www.instructables.com/DEB-Forge-Viam-Powered-Smart-Desk-Contextual-Light/

2. Raspberry Pi Personal Office Assistant

Have you ever felt overwhelmed by tasks at work? This Raspberry Pi personal office assistant, Betsy, lightens your load by simplifying tasks, delivering tools, passing messages, or providing entertainment.

By combining various technologies such as computer vision (CV), natural language processing (NLP), and robotic control, Betsy can follow people around the office, navigate to designated locations, send messages between individuals, and converse with employees.

Project Overview

Shopping List

• Raspberry Pi 4 with “viam-server” installed
• Fully assembled robot with SCUTTLE rover
• Ultrasonic sensor, webcam, touchscreen display

For a complete materials list, visit the full tutorial.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Assemble the robot and configure the components.

2. Program the core functionalities of the robot using the Viam Python SDK.

3. Integrate large language models (LLMs) for voice interaction and message passing.

4. Deploy visual and motion services for real-time navigation and obstacle detection.

Advice from the Creator

This AI project was built for under $300! With creative, low-cost components and an easy-to-use platform like Viam, you can achieve outstanding results without a big budget.

Get the complete tutorial for the Raspberry Pi Personal Office Assistant:

https://www.hackster.io/scuttle-robotics-asia/betsy-personal-office-assistant-8c2a91

3. Raspberry Pi AI Smart Waste Sorting System

If you hesitate in front of the recycling bin, unsure whether to throw an item into paper, plastic, or regular trash, then this Raspberry Pi AI project is for you.

Shadi Naguib’s work uses a camera and a bit of AI technology to help people accurately sort waste.

Project Summary

Shopping List

• Any computer, including Raspberry Pi running viam-server
• Hugging Face account (for accessing AI models)
• ESP32 microcontroller
• Arduino IDE

Check the smart waste sorting system tutorial for the complete list.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Configure the camera using Viam’s Vision service and YOLOv5 module to set up the object detection model.

2. Set up the ESP32 WebServer by connecting hardware and implementing the code.

3. Write the main automation script logic using Viam SDK.

Advice from the Creator

Shadi says: “Improve the system’s accuracy by fine-tuning the AI model or adding new features.”

My advice: Add voice commands for more interaction or improve the AI model’s accuracy for better material detection.

Get the complete tutorial for the Raspberry Pi AI Waste System:

https://www.instructables.com/Build-an-AI-Assisted-Smart-Trash-System-With-VIAM/

4. Raspberry Pi AI Running Companion Robot

If you are a long-distance runner, you know that self-motivation can be tough sometimes. That’s why fellow running enthusiast Sir Walter Richardson created the Robo DeMo 1000: a companion robot designed to be your personal cheerleader during the most challenging runs.

Project Summary

By integrating computer vision (CV) and text-to-speech technology, this AI-driven robot provides personalized motivational messages based on your pace and performance – or, if needed, negative feedback.

Shopping List

• Raspberry Pi 5 running viam-server
• DC motors, camera, sound card, XBOX controller

Check the complete tutorial for more details.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Assemble the robot using the wiring diagram and connect the hardware components.

2. Configure your machine in the app, including all components and services, such as ML model services and Vision services.

3. Use text-to-speech and ChatGPT modules to send personalized motivational messages.

Advice from the Creator

Upgrade the robot by adding advanced facial recognition features to adjust messages based on the runner’s emotional state or enhance obstacle detection using Viam’s CV capabilities.

Learn more about the Raspberry Pi AI Running Companion Robot:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XgkZFWc3k10

5. AI Personal Assistant Powered by Raspberry Pi 4 and LLM Model

Looking for an AI assistant that listens and responds? This Raspberry Pi project offers an advanced AI assistant powered by the Gemini API, utilizing large language models (LLM).

Project Summary

Shopping List

• Raspberry Pi 4
• Pi camera, USB microphone, USB speaker

Visit the complete tutorial for detailed information.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Connect to the Raspberry Pi and install viam-server on the device.

2. Configure the motherboard and camera of your machine in the app.

3. Add CV capabilities to the device using Viam’s Vision service.

4. Set up the voice module to allow text-to-speech from the LLM.

5. Integrate the Gemini API to build a conversational AI that understands and responds to commands.

Advice from the Creator

To improve follow-up questions on image input, pass the previous model response along with your follow-up question in the prompt for better context.

Check the complete project tutorial:

https://www.instructables.com/A-Personal-Assistant-Using-Raspberry-4-and-LLM-Usi/

Build Your Own Raspberry Pi AI Projects

Feeling inspired by these Raspberry Pi AI projects? Whether you’re creating smart home systems, automating office tasks, or addressing environmental challenges, Viam and Raspberry Pi make it easier than ever. By undertaking these projects, you will master hardware, integrate AI, and build intuitive user interfaces.

Ready? Recreate one of the selected community projects above, or explore more Raspberry Pi home automation ideas (like designing smart security systems) to further enhance your skills.

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