An 11-year-old boy from Karachi, Hasnain amazed everyone by creating an AI assistant robot, named “Muhammad Ali”, at such a young age.
This voice-activated robot is a remarkable showcase of Hasnain’s talent and deep interest in modern technology.
Reporters visited Hasnain in Saadi Town, Karachi, where he demonstrated how the robot operates and interacts with people.
“First, he listens and processes, then he answers just like humans do. It’s connected to my laptop, and since I did his programming, he gets activated when I call out his name, Muhammad Ali. The programming window prompts that he is listening and processing, and after that, he talks and completes the task,” Hasnain explained.
To test the robot, reporters asked it how to make “chai” (tea). After a brief pause, it provided a detailed recipe, which made Hasnain chuckle.
“He’s Pakistani, of course, he knows how much Pakistanis love chai,” he remarked.
Hasnain also explained how the robot, Muhammad Ali, can assist humans.
“He functions as an assistant, following your instructions to perform various tasks. He can open websites, create a list of items you need for your holiday, and even assist with everyday household chores. If you instruct him to switch the electricity to solar power, he can do that too. It’s all about how I’ve programmed him and the commands I give,” he elaborated.
The robot’s eyes and mouth move, but its head is currently uncovered, with wires in place of a brain. When asked about this, Hasnain responded, “His head is under process. I’m making it with the help of a 3D printer, and it will be ready in a few days.”
Hasnain’s journey into making robots
His journey into the world of robotics began two years ago when he joined a beginner’s robotics course at the Imam Hussain Institute in Scheme 33, Karachi. Since then, Hasnain delved into both game development and robotics. The creation of his AI assistant marked the culmination of his summer project this year.
When asked about his passion for robotics, Hasnain shared, “I first explored robotics two years back. I was fascinated. It was a beginner’s course, so I decided to get myself trained this year again. This [AI assistant] was my final project for the summer course.”
Remarkably, Hasnain is building the robot entirely on his own, without outsourcing any parts or equipment. Even more impressive is that university students often seek his help with their projects.
Hasnain dreams of pursuing a career in robotics and game development, his two main passions. Despite his young age, he stands as a beacon of hope for the nation.
Shakeel Abbas, a representative from the institute where Hasnain trains, emphasized how seriously teenagers are embracing modern technology, reflecting on the institute’s enrolment process and courses.
Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori announced a reward of Rs100,000 and a laptop for Hasnain, praising the young student’s dedication to AI. “He has set an example by creating an AI-assistant robot,” the governor added.