Google Talk/Chat/Messenger is normally used by humans to interact with other humans. However, its underlying technology can also be used as a mechanism to implement software robots. Internet bots, also known as web robots, WWW robots or simply ‘bots’ can also utilize the technology to perform automated functions over the web. There are many such bots in existence, offering a diverse spectrum of services from jokes ([email protected]) to URL Shortening using bit.ly ([email protected]), even mathematical calculation ([email protected]). Using such bots is quick and easy to configure, all that must be done is to add the bot as a contact to your messaging account. Then, whenever you desire data from the service, simply text the command to the bot and it will respond with the respective message.
The Raspi Bot is essentially the same as any other automated Internet robot. To configure it, it must first have its own e-mail address associated with a Google talk account. This e-mail address must also be added as a contact with the account that wishes to communicate to the bot. Then, whenever the script is running on the remote machine, it will log into Google chat and appear as a friend in your contact list.
The software itself is essentially just a Python daemon script that is a wrapper around the XMPP protocol. When executed, the script will sign in to Google talk using its own username and password. The Python script is derived from the open source project pygtalkrobot: An open source python gtalk(google talk) bot framework using XMPPPY and PyDNS libraries, that also references the source code of python-jabberbot….
Each Friday is PiDay here at Adafruit, be sure to check out our posts, tutorials and new Raspberry Pi related products. Have you tried the new “Adafruit Raspberry Pi Educational Linux Distro” ? It’s our tweaked distribution for teaching electronics using the Raspberry Pi. But wait, there’s more! Try our new Raspberry Pi WebIDE! The easiest way to learn programming on a Raspberry Pi.
We now have Raspberry Pi Model B with 512MB RAM in stock and shipping now!