Young innovators: Meet Muhammad Hasnain, Karachi's 11-year-old robotics prodigy

As the nation celebrates its heroes this August with Arshad Nadeem's gold medal win at the Olympics brings pride to Pakistan, another name deserves recognition before the month ends. The 11-year-old Muhammad Hasnain from Karachi has astounded us all by creating an AI assistant robot at such a young age.

Hailing from Saadi Town, Karachi, Hasnain has named his AI assistant "Muhammad Ali". The robot, activated by voice command, is a testament to Hasnain's ingenuity and passion for modern technology.

The boy's journey into robotics began two years ago when he enrolled in a beginner's robotics course at the Imam Hussain Institute, located in Scheme 33, Karachi. Over the past two years, he has explored both game development and robotics, and the creation of his AI assistant comes as final project this summer. 

When asked about his interest in robotics, Hasnain explained: "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."

During our visit, Hasnain demonstrated how the robot works 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 programing, 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 said. 

To test his creation, we asked the robot to tell how to make "chai" (tea). After a few seconds, it responded with a detailed recipe, prompting Hasnain to chuckle. 

"He's Pakistani, of course, he knows how much Pakistanis love chai," he remarked. 

How the robot assists the humans?

Hasnain also briefed Geo Digital on how the robot, Muhammad Ali, can assist the 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 explained.

While the robot's eyes and mouth move, its head is currently uncovered, with wires place of a brain. 

When asked about this, Hasnain said: "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." 

The young boy is creating the robot all by himself, without outsourcing any parts or equipment. Even more remarkable is that university-level students often seek Hasnain's assistance with their projects.

Shakeel Abbas, a representative from the institute where Hasnain trains, shared valuable insights into their enrollment process and the courses they offer, highlighting how seriously our teenagers are embracing modern technology.

Hasnain aspires to pursue a career in robotics and game development, his two main hobbies. Despite his young age, he is a beacon of hope for the nation.

In a time when many Pakistanis are leaving the country, Hasnain's story reminds us of the importance of investing in our youth for a modern and better Pakistan. Other nations celebrate their young innovators — let's ensure we do the same before the world takes notice.

Sindh governor announces Rs100,000

Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori announced to award Hasnain Rs100,000 and a laptop, saying that the young student's interest in AI is appreciative. 

He has set an example by creating an AI-assistant robot, he added.