Skye 0.0 - Embodied AI Assistant

Voice AI assistants have become ubiquitous but remain disembodied voices, creating a disconnect in human-AI interaction. While companies like Samsung and Amazon were developing expensive holographic assistants, there was no accessible solution for creating a personalized AI presence with physical form.

The journey to create Skye began with simple LED experiments on an Arduino board. As the vision expanded to include holographic displays and natural conversation, I taught myself Raspberry Pi programming and dove into the world of persistence of vision technology.

The hardware development proved challenging but rewarding. After multiple iterations, I successfully programmed the Raspberry Pi's GPIO pins to control precise LED timing and audio output. The breakthrough came in designing a custom persistence of vision display that could create stable holographic images without requiring expensive specialized equipment.

Skye's persona development was equally crucial. Using Midjourney, I generated a distinctive appearance that balanced approachability with technological sophistication. To capture natural human mannerisms, I collaborated with a professional actor, recording key expressions and movements. These were processed through Tavus digital twin technology to create fluid lip-syncing with AI responses.

The integration of large language models required careful optimization for the Raspberry Pi's capabilities. I developed a system that could maintain natural conversation flow while managing resource constraints. The result was an AI that could engage in meaningful dialogue while maintaining consistent visual presence.

Skye 0.0 emerged as more than just another AI assistant - she became a presence that transforms how people interact with AI. The custom laser-cut acrylic housing, featuring elegantly etched branding, makes her both portable and professional. The transparent acrylic creates an ethereal effect that enhances the holographic display while maintaining durability for transport. Key achievements include:

Skye maintains fluid conversation while expressing appropriate facial movements and gestures. The integration of Tavus technology with LLM responses creates seamless synchronization between speech and visual presence.

The custom persistence of vision display represents a significant advancement in affordable holographic technology. The system demonstrates that sophisticated AI interfaces don't require enterprise-level budgets.

While Skye 0.0 serves as a proof of concept, the architecture supports continued evolution. The combination of Raspberry Pi, custom display technology, and AI integration provides a foundation for future enhancements.

Skye challenges conventional notions of AI interaction, demonstrating how personal AI assistants can evolve beyond voice-only interfaces. The project exemplifies the potential for individual developers to create sophisticated AI experiences that rival corporate offerings.

Hardware:

- Raspberry Pi 4 as the core processing unit

- Custom-designed LED array for holographic display

- Integrated audio system for clear voice output

- Custom laser-cut acrylic housing with etched branding and optimal viewing angles

Software:

- GPIO programming for precise LED control

- Audio processing for synchronized output

- LLM integration with response optimization

- Tavus implementation for realistic expression mapping

The project represents a unique convergence of hardware hacking, AI implementation, and creative design. Skye stands as a testament to the possibilities that emerge when pushing the boundaries of accessible technology.

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