Integrating SmartThings with Alexa Routines

At present, one of the toughest tasks involves triggering Amazon Alexa routines by utilizing any device or condition from Samsung SmartThings.

Currently, you have the option to connect Contact and Motion Sensors to Alexa for the purpose of activating Alexa Routines. But what happens when you want to start routines via a Leak Sensor, or need to account for variables such as temperature, humidity, and light conditions? Or think about setting off actions at a certain time of day when someone is at home?

Let’s talk about it!

Ways to Trigger Alexa Routines with SmartThings

These are the kinds of requests I get each and every day on Automate Your Life. So, I went out and found a solution.

Now, full credit to BJ Pierron who wrote this Device Handler code for a specialized device type that will allow you to do this.

The simulated Alexa Switch code for SmartThings is provided by ‘bjpierron’: https://raw.githubusercontent.com/bjpierron/SmartThings-Alexa/master/devicetypes/bjpierron/simulated-alexa-switch.src/simulated-alexa-switch.groovy

Simulated Alexa Switch by BJ Pierron

/**
 *  Copyright 2015 SmartThings
 *
 *  Licensed under the Apache License, Version 2.0 (the "License"); you may not use this file except
 *  in compliance with the License. You may obtain a copy of the License at:
 *
 *      http://www.apache.org/licenses/LICENSE-2.0
 *
 *  Unless required by applicable law or agreed to in writing, software distributed under the License is distributed
 *  on an "AS IS" BASIS, WITHOUT WARRANTIES OR CONDITIONS OF ANY KIND, either express or implied. See the License
 *  for the specific language governing permissions and limitations under the License.
 *
 */
metadata {

    definition (name: "Simulated Alexa Switch", namespace: "bjpierron", author: "bjpierron") {
        capability "Switch"
        capability "Sensor"
        capability "Actuator"
        capability "Contact Sensor"	    		
    }
    
    simulator {
		status "open": "contact:open"
		status "closed": "contact:closed"
	}

    tiles {
        standardTile("switch", "device.switch", width: 2, height: 2, canChangeIcon: true) {
            state "off", label: '${currentValue}', action: "switch.on", icon: "st.switches.switch.off", backgroundColor: "#ffffff"
            state "on", label: '${currentValue}', action: "switch.off", icon: "st.switches.switch.on", backgroundColor: "#00A0DC"
        }
        main "switch"
        details(["switch"])
    }
}

def parse(description) {
}

def on() {
    sendEvent(name: "switch", value: "on")
    sendEvent(name: "contact", value: "open")
}

def off() {
    sendEvent(name: "switch", value: "off")
    sendEvent(name: "contact", value: "closed")
}

Now, to implement all of this, it would help if you watch the video below. Check it out!

What can trigger an Alexa routine?

A voice command, an alarm, a scheduled time, or a smart home device interaction can trigger an Alexa routine.

Routines save you time by grouping together a bunch of actions so you don’t have to ask for each one individually. You can activate routines via voice, time, or with your smart devices, and more.

You should check out the Featured Routine in the Alexa App to find out more!

Why won’t Alexa do my routine?

The reason why your Alexa Routine may not be working is, perhaps it wasn’t enabled.

So, to enable the Alexa Routine, here are a few fixes you should try:

• Make sure your device isn’t muted.
• Test your Alexa Routine.
• Check the trigger phase.
• Check the devices listed in the routine.
• Reboot your device.

If you’re planning to buy Alexa at Walmart, I have created this short guide for you. Read it!

In Summary

You can trigger Alexa Routines with SmartThings via voice, time of the day, or a smart device. Make sure your Routine is activated to ensure it’s going to work.

I suggest watching a few video tutorials to learn how to integrate the Routine into SmartThings. Also, feel free to reach out to us if you need help!