• Overview
• Introduction
• What Sets ALIE Apart
• Features & Capabilities
• System Architecture & Technologies Used
  • Hardware
  • Embedded Software
  • Networking & Security
  • API & Cloud Integration
  • Web & Mobile Interfaces
• How It Works
• Workflow
• Setup & Installation
• Configuration
• Usage
• Deployment & Testing
• Contributing
• Contact
• Roadmap
• FAQ

ALIE (Artificially Linked Intelligent Entity) is a full-stack, production-grade IoT automation platform designed for real-time, secure, and intelligent control of smart environments. Unlike typical DIY projects, ALIE is engineered as a robust product, blending advanced embedded systems, cloud integration, and immersive user interfaces to deliver seamless, multi-modal control and monitoring.

ALIE is a next-generation smart automation system built on the ESP32 platform, leveraging FreeRTOS, MQTT, and end-to-end encryption. It supports voice, touch, web, mobile, and even BCI (Brain-Computer Interface) controls, with real-time cloud synchronization and OTA updates. The system is designed for reliability, extensibility, and immersive user experience, making it suitable for both home and industrial automation.

• Product-Grade Engineering: Not just a project, but a scalable, maintainable, and customizable product.
• Multi-Modal Control: Voice (Alexa/Google Home), NFC/RFID, touch, web, mobile, and BCI.
• Real-Time & Secure: Fast response (25ms latency reduction), end-to-end encryption, OTA updates.
• Cloud-Connected: Bi-directional sync with Firebase, remote scheduling, and monitoring.
• Immersive UI: 3D React dashboard, live camera streams, music playback, and more.
• Smart & Resilient: Auto-resynchronization, deep sleep for energy saving, and robust error handling.
• Custom Hardware: 3D-printed casing designed in Fusion 360 and Blender.

• Real-time embedded control with FreeRTOS and MQTT
• End-to-end encrypted communication
• OTA firmware updates
• Alexa/Google Home voice integration (via ESPalexa & webhooks)
• NFC/RFID authentication
• Touch, web, and mobile app control (Blynk IoT)
• Cloud sync with Firebase Firestore
• 3D React dashboard (ThreeJS, model-viewer)
• Remote scheduling and automation
• DHT11/22 sensor for temperature/humidity
• AQI and weather monitoring (Accuweather API)
• Deep sleep and energy-saving modes
• Ad-hoc networking for offline regions
• Live camera streaming and music playback
• Modular, customizable, and extensible

• ESP32 microcontroller (dual-core, WiFi/BLE, FreeRTOS)
• DHT11/22 sensor (temperature/humidity)
• NFC/RFID module (optional)
• Relay modules for appliance control
• Custom 3D-printed casing (Fusion 360, Blender)
• Touch sensors for local control

• FreeRTOS for real-time task scheduling and ISR handling
• MQTT for lightweight, secure messaging
• ESPAsyncWebServer for RESTful APIs and OTA updates
• Blynk IoT for mobile app integration
• ESPalexa for Alexa/Google Home voice control
• End-to-End Encryption for all communications

• Ad-hoc WiFi networking for offline operation
• WAN support for remote access
• TLS/SSL for secure API endpoints
• Firewall and access control via NFC/RFID and user authentication

• Firebase Firestore for real-time cloud sync and remote scheduling
• Accuweather API for weather and AQI alerts
• Webhooks for voice assistant integration

• React (with ThreeJS, model-viewer) for 3D dashboard
• Blynk mobile app for iOS/Android
• Bootstrap, GSAP, jQuery for responsive, animated UI
• Live camera streaming and music playback via web interface

1. Device boots up and connects to WiFi (ad-hoc or WAN).
2. Sensors and relays are initialized; FreeRTOS tasks manage device logic.
3. User interacts via web/mobile/voice/touch/BCI.
4. Commands are processed locally or sent securely to the cloud (Firebase).
5. Device state is updated in real-time across all interfaces.
6. Scheduling, automation, and alerts are handled via cloud and local logic.
7. OTA updates and error handling ensure reliability and security.

1. Setup: Device is configured via web/mobile interface or NFC.
2. Control: User can control appliances, monitor sensors, and schedule tasks.
3. Sync: All changes are synced with Firebase for remote access and backup.
4. Automation: Scheduled events and smart triggers automate environment.
5. Monitoring: Real-time dashboard provides immersive visualization and alerts.
6. Energy Saving: Device enters deep sleep when idle, wakes on event.

1. Assemble ESP32, relays, sensors, and optional NFC/RFID modules.
2. Print and assemble the custom casing (see images/hardware/).
3. Power up the device.

1. Install PlatformIO in VSCode.
2. Clone this repo and open in VSCode.
3. Configure platformio.ini as needed.
4. Build and upload firmware to ESP32:

   pio run --target upload

5. Monitor serial output for debugging and configuration info:

   pio device monitor

• Edit src/config/app_config.h to set up WiFi, Firebase, and other parameters.
• Use src/config/wifi_config.h for WiFi credentials (SSID, password).
• Configure Firebase in the Firebase console; download google-services.json and place it in the src directory.

• Web Interface: Access the 3D dashboard, control devices, and monitor status at http://<device_ip>.
• Mobile App: Use the Blynk app to control devices and receive notifications.
• Voice Control: Integrate with Alexa or Google Home for voice commands.
• Touch Control: Use the touch sensors on the device for local control.

• For production, use a reliable power source and consider a UPS for backup.
• Test all functionalities, including OTA updates, cloud sync, and automation.
• Monitor system performance and logs for any anomalies.

Contributions are welcome! Please follow these steps:

1. Fork the repository.
2. Create a new branch for your feature or bugfix.
3. Make your changes and commit them.
4. Push to your forked repository.
5. Create a pull request describing your changes.

For any inquiries or support, please contact:

• Kalp Thakkar - [email protected]
• GitHub: kalpthakkar
• LinkedIn: kalpthakkar

Planned features and improvements:

• Expand BCI integration for hands-free control
• Add more sensor support (CO2, motion, etc.)
• Enhance AI-driven automation and anomaly detection
• Expand mobile app features
• Integrate more third-party APIs
• Enhanced AI algorithms for smarter automation
• Broader device compatibility and integration
• Advanced security features and encryption methods
• Improved user interface and user experience design
• Expanded cloud services and data analytics capabilities

Q1: What is ALIE? A1: ALIE is a full-stack IoT automation platform for smart environments, offering real-time control and monitoring.

Q2: What makes ALIE different from other smart home solutions? A2: ALIE is engineered as a product, not just a project. It features multi-modal control, real-time cloud synchronization, and a robust, extensible architecture.

Q3: How can I contribute to the ALIE project? A3: You can contribute by reporting issues, suggesting features, or submitting code changes via pull requests on GitHub.

Q4: Where can I find documentation and support? A4: Documentation is available in the docs directory and on the PlatformIO Unit Testing page. Support can be obtained via email or forum links provided in the Contact section.

Q5: Is the web app included here the live version? A5: The web-app/ folder contains static reference versions. The production web app is deployed on Firebase for optimal performance and security.

Q6: Can I use ALIE offline? A6: Yes, ALIE supports ad-hoc networking for regions without internet.

Q7: How do I update the firmware? A7: Use the OTA update feature via the web dashboard.

Q8: What is the roadmap for ALIE? A8: The roadmap includes enhanced AI algorithms, broader device compatibility, advanced security features, improved UI/UX design, and expanded cloud services.

Q9: Is ALIE customizable? A9: Absolutely! The system is modular and can be extended for new devices, sensors, and interfaces.