In the bustling city of Karachi, an 11-year-old prodigy named Muhammad Hasnain is making waves with his innovative creation—a robot named Muhammad Ali. This AI assistant, equipped with both a unique personality and a range of practical functionalities, represents the culmination of Hasnain’s summer project from a free robotics training course he attended in his hometown.
As Hasnain typed away on his laptop, he asked aloud, “Muhammad Ali, what is Arab News?” The robot, with its striking blue eyes and white head adorned with a mesh of wires for hair, responded in a clear, computer-generated voice, “Arab News is a Saudi English language daily newspaper. It covers news and events in Saudi Arabia, the Middle East, and around the world.”
But Muhammad Ali is more than just a responsive AI. It can provide step-by-step instructions for making biryani or brewing a cup of tea, control home appliances, play movies, and perform online searches, all through voice commands. This versatile functionality reflects Hasnain’s vision of creating an AI assistant that goes beyond mere interaction to become a helpful and integrated part of daily life.
A Journey of Innovation
Hasnain’s journey into the world of robotics began at a young age, fueled by a deep passion for science and technology. In 2022, he designed a Bluetooth-powered car as a summer project, followed by the development of a virtual reality game in 2023. Muhammad Ali represents the next step in his evolving exploration of technology. Hasnain’s approach to AI stands out for its emphasis on personality and user interaction.
“This is an AI assistant robot, and its name is Muhammad Ali,” Hasnain explained during an interview with Arab News at his home. “This AI has a personality and a face, so it feels like you are talking to a person.”
Hasnain’s AI creation is more than just a technical marvel; it is also a reflection of his cultural and personal identity. Muhammad Ali is designed to be both a Muslim and a Pakistani, embodying qualities of kindness and helpfulness. Hasnain believes that many leading AI chatbots, such as GPT, Gemini, and Claude, lack a personal touch. “What today’s AI lacks is personality. It feels like there’s a robot stuck in your smartphone that can only talk to you via texts. Some have a voice feature, but this one has a personality and a face,” he said.
Support and Encouragement
Hasnain’s father, Syed Faraz Haider, has been a constant source of support. Haider noted his son’s exceptional abilities and interest in unconventional pursuits from a young age. “He has been extraordinary in terms of his learning capabilities since he was very young,” Haider told Arab News. He recalled how Hasnain’s sharp memory allowed him to read and memorize entire chapters effortlessly.
Shakeel Abbas, the instructor at the robotics institute where Hasnain received his training, also praised the young inventor. Abbas noted that while he helped Hasnain acquire the necessary equipment, the design and coding of Muhammad Ali were entirely Hasnain’s work. “The entire idea and coding were done by Hasnain. We initially provided the guidelines and training for the courses. He is self-sufficient now,” Abbas said.
Looking to the Future
Looking ahead, Hasnain has ambitious plans for both Muhammad Ali and his own future. He aspires to pursue a career in robotics and game development. His future plans include adding a camera to Muhammad Ali so it can recognize and interact with people more effectively. “I want to add a camera to Ali so he knows who he is talking to,” Hasnain said. Additionally, he envisions giving the robot a full-body design, transforming it from a head with wires into a fully functional robot.
Moreover, Hasnain is already working on his next project—a virtual reality initiative slated for the coming year. His continuous pursuit of innovation and his passion for technology promise exciting developments in the field of robotics.
Muhammad Hasnain’s work exemplifies how youthful curiosity and creativity can lead to significant technological advancements. With projects like Muhammad Ali, he not only demonstrates his skills but also inspires others to explore the limitless possibilities of technology.
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