Victoria 11-year-old with autism creates compassionate robot companion
While dogs have long been dubbed 'man’s best friend,' Alex Rose is walking his pup during a break from creating a companion for everyone.
“I want to make it so this [artificial intelligence] stuff is more accessible,” the 11-year-old says.
Alex’s mom, Amanda Rose, says her boy has built a robot. “He was always wanting to take everything apart and figure out how it worked."
Amanda says Alex began deconstructing his toys when he was two years old.
When he was five, Alex started reading car manuals from cover to cover.
“Sometimes I don’t read books, I just read manuals,” Alex says. “And when I finished, it felt like I understood how it actually worked.”
By the time he was seven, Alex had learned how computers work by disassembling their components, taught himself software coding through YouTube videos, and was diagnosed with autism.
“One of the superpowers of being autistic,” Amanda says. “Is you’re able to solve problems that people who aren’t on the spectrum probably would not understand how to solve.”
Like when Alex realized phones and tablets became obsolete, he created an operating system called ALEX OS to give them a new life.
“So it still runs smoothly on old hardware,” Alex says. “And actually makes them useful for people.”
Alex says he wants to help people who can’t afford new devices be able to continue connecting with the world.
“It‘s really exciting to see his genuine desire to help people,” Alex says.
Which brings us to a programmable parrot (made from colourful feathers attached to a box shaped like a bird), featuring software created by Alex to connect with people compassionately.
“It recognized if anyone was crying,” Alex says. “And would say words of encouragement.”
Over the past two years, Alex’s robotic bird has evolved, losing its wings and feathers, and gaining a rounded, white plastic body.
“Alex built me this nice body so I can help you,” the robot, named 'airparrotHUB,' says after being asking about its background.
The robot’s simple face features two eyes displayed on one of those old iPhones Alex has brought back to life. Along with playing music, Alex says the robot’s camera can recognize you and its software can carry on a conversations.
“It’s not just answering pre-programmed requests,” Alex says. “It’s actually generating, in real time, an answer.”
Ales says it’s designed to be a companion for all ages — from seniors who may need reminders to kids who can feel lonely.
“Loneliness can be tough,” the ‘airparrotHUB’ says after being asked about the emotion. “I’m here to brighten your day.”
And Alex would like to grow up and make all our days more happy.
The 11-year-old has drawn a large poster, showing all the steps he plans to take on his path from starting middle school to building a tech company called SALEX.
The boy hopes to inspire all of us that no matter what part of your brain is biggest, to make sure your heart is even bigger.
“We’re not going to be here forever,” Alex says. “I think it’s important that people are having the best life they can.”
“And never stop chasing your dreams,” Alex’s robot says, before adding a final thought. “And hey, in 10 years, when there are robots like me in every home, tell them I said, ’Hello.’”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
![](https://www.ctvnews.ca/polopoly_fs/1.6972157.1721587842!/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_800/image.jpg)
Joe Biden drops out of 2024 race, endorses Kamala Harris to be Democratic nominee
U.S. President Joe Biden dropped out of the 2024 race for the White House on Sunday, ending his bid for re-election after doubts were raised about his fitness for office. Soon after, he endorsed Vice-President Kamala Harris to take his place in the November election.
Justin Trudeau reacts to Joe Biden announcing he won't run for re-election
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau responded to the news that U.S. President Joe Biden won’t run for re-election Sunday, calling Biden a 'true friend.'
Joe Biden wants to pass the baton to Kamala Harris. Here's how that might work
With U.S. President Joe Biden ending his re-election bid and endorsing Vice-President Kamala Harris, Democrats now must navigate a shift that is unprecedented this late in an election year.
The pilot who died in crash after releasing skydivers near Niagara Falls has been identified
NEW YORK (AP) — Officials on Sunday released the name of a pilot who died in a skydiving flight after her passengers jumped from the aircraft near the Niagara Falls.
Woman found dead in the water near Sunset Beach: Vancouver police
Investigators were at Vancouver’s Sunset Beach after a woman’s body was found in the water Sunday morning, according to authorities.
Ottawa man waiting nearly a year for car to be fixed at Acura dealership
An Ottawa man says he’s been waiting nearly a year for his car to be repaired after it was damaged during a storm in August.
Canadian musicians struggle to get visas to perform in the U.S., some cancel shows
Backlogs and processing delays of temporary U.S. visas required by entertainers, athletes and artists has forced some Canadian bands to cancel U.S. tour dates because paperwork wasn't processed in time.
Joy in Newfoundland after 'Lucky 7' fishers survive harrowing days lost at sea
There was a powerful word being repeated in the joyful Newfoundland community of New-Wes-Valley on Sunday: 'Miracle.'
A Florida woman was killed 24 years ago. DNA evidence just helped police make an arrest in the cold case
A Florida woman’s brutal killing nearly 25 years ago may finally be solved after authorities arrested the suspect this week, according to the Sanford Police Department.