Victoria 12-Year-Old Invents AI Robot to Provide Companionship for Kids and Seniors

Two bright, animated eyes peer out from a sleek screen supported by a black robotic arm that rises gracefully from a metallic blue base. Opposite it stands Alex Rose, a 12-year-old inventor from Victoria, B.C., with a big vision for his creation.

“Describe yourself in five words,” Alex asks the robot.

The machine, named AIRO (short for AI Robot), pauses briefly before responding in a soothing voice, “I’m a friendly, helpful, and curious robot companion.”

Standing approximately 30 centimeters tall, AIRO is Alex’s latest creation—a robotic companion designed to engage compassionately with people and respond to their needs. Diagnosed with autism, Alex knows firsthand the impact of loneliness, having struggled to make friends before entering middle school. His goal is to offer AIRO as a resource for others who might be experiencing isolation, including children and seniors.

“It feels like it has emotions when you talk to it,” Alex says. “Some people might say, ‘Oh, it doesn’t really understand you,’ and maybe that’s true. But if you’re lonely and you have no one to talk to, having a machine like this can be incredibly rewarding.”

Unlike other personal assistant devices like Amazon Alexa, AIRO emphasizes forming a compassionate bond with its user. Alex has even given the robot pet-like traits, including tilting its screen to mimic active listening—a feature he controls through a tablet app. Future versions of AIRO will include facial recognition and the ability to turn towards individuals speaking to it.

Years of Innovation and Creativity

AIRO is the culmination of years of experimentation. Alex first delved into robotics two years ago, creating the AIRO Parrot, a chatty, feathered prototype. His newest model, built using a pre-assembled robotic arm, an Xbox controller mount, and programming languages like Python and Scratch, represents significant advancements. Current improvements include integrating a Raspberry Pi computing box, enhanced audio with four speakers, and a 3D-printed case.

Alex’s fascination with technology began as a toddler, dismantling old electronics and reading car manuals by age six. His passion for creating robotic companions was sparked by a disappointing experience with a toy robotic dog that frequently broke.

“I wanted to know how things worked,” Alex explains.

His parents, though not tech enthusiasts, have supported him throughout his journey, helping fund his projects. Local organizations are also taking notice. Little Steps Therapy, a children’s therapy center in Victoria, purchased one of Alex’s AIRO Parrots to assist their clients. According to the center’s director, Victoria Coward, the robot has boosted children’s confidence in interacting with technology.

Seniors’ homes in the area are currently beta-testing newer versions of AIRO, with plans for the robot to be available for purchase by the end of 2025. Alex estimates the price will range between $200 and $500, with free delivery for residents in Greater Victoria.

A Tool for Connection

Ultimately, Alex doesn’t see AIRO as a replacement for human interaction but as a tool to address a growing need for companionship.

“It’s just someone to talk to and interact with,” he says. “That’s something that’s really in short supply these days.”

With his innovative design and unwavering determination, Alex hopes AIRO will bring comfort to those who need it most.