Google's voice-control project lets you control physical things

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Google is expanding its voice-control technology to physical objects through its latest experiment, Paper Signals. The open source project, which features adorable paper crafts, allows you to get information on weather, time, Bitcoin, and even newly launched rockets with your voice.

Through Google Assistant on your phone, you can speak out instructions to certain these signals, which you can make at home, and track the world through their movements. Here are some examples of what your “table pets” can do provided by Google.

Opening umbrella: Track rain in the area you asked

Gif via Paper Signals

Clock: Countdown

Gif via Paper Signals

Growing pants: Track weather in the area you asked

Gif via Paper Signals

Cube with raising arms: Remind you to take a break

Gif via Paper Signals

Rotary arrow: Track Bitcoin

Gif via Paper Signals

Flaming rocket: Track NASA rocket launches

Gif via Paper Signals

Paper signals can be built through three steps. First, get necessary parts such as jumper wires, a micro USB, pencil, glue etc. Then, print out the templates for the signals you want to make on a standard inkjet printer. After putting all components together like what you used to do in elementary-school handcraft class, you will have a row of table decorations that react to your voice.

Besides the six signals designed by Google, you can also get the open-source code on GitHub and customize your own signals.