Using AI to make a difference in the world

The Microsoft Imagine Cup Junior is a global student competition designed to help Australian high school students learn about AI, understand the ethics behind the technology and innovate AI concepts that could make a difference for the Earth, Accessibility, Humanitarian Action or Cultural Heritage. 

This learning experience has enabled students to understand the nature of Artificial Intelligence and the impact this technology can have on their future. Students worked through a series of modules to equip them with the skills and knowledge to innovate a new concept. Students worked in teams on a design thinking challenge to dream up a creative solution that uses AI to make a difference in the world. In addition students developed a functioning AI App and a two-minute presentation video demonstrating the concept. 

The competition was an incredible opportunity for our Year 10 IST students to apply their knowledge and creativity in the field of artificial intelligence. While our students did not secure a win this time, their AI app designs were nothing short of outstanding. They demonstrated exceptional innovation and problem-solving skills, making us extremely proud of their efforts and dedication. 

Throughout the competition, our students gained invaluable insights into the world of artificial intelligence. They learned about cutting-edge technologies, ethical considerations, and the practical applications of AI in various industries. This experience has not only enriched their understanding but also inspired them to continue exploring the limitless possibilities of AI. Congratulations to all the participants for their hard work and remarkable achievements. 

Below are a few of the Apps designed for the Miocrosoft competition.

App Name: RoadPal App
Team members: Angelina Hanna, Zara Portolesi and Zara Ters

Main Concept: Statistically, 20% to 30% of all fatal car crashes in Australia are attributed to fatigue whilst driving. Additionally, around one in four crashes that involve only one car are caused by the driver falling asleep. Moreover, for more personal reasons, four years ago, our friend Veronique passed away when she was just 11, and as a close friend who was part of our school and grade community, we hold this issue close to our hearts. The fatal crash was due to the immature choices of a drunk driver, the 29-year-old drove into the four children – Veronique and her three cousins – after his ute mounted a kerb. This was not only due to his drunk driving but furthermore, the effect that the drinking had on increasing his fatigue. Thus, we have chosen to address the AI for good category: AI for Health. In order to address this issue, we have developed an app that is aimed at assisting all individuals driving, and more specifically, people who are driving for long periods of time. These individuals may experience fatigue and given that being distracted increases your risk of crashing, specifically, being distracted for two seconds whilst driving at 60 km/h means you are travelling 33 metres ‘blind’. The individuals who experience fatigue need stimulation in order to keep their brain functioning and by maintaining cognitive function and mental alertness, will, in turn, reduce feelings of tiredness. Additionally, basic human necessities such as food, water, sleep and caffeine will provide longer-lasting alertness and thus contribute to road safety.

App Name: LifeLink Assist
Team members: Florence Ata, Charlize Cencigh, Siana Pinto

Main Concept: To solve the issue of elderly people receiving and accessing inadequate care, we are producing an app called LifeLink Assist. LifeLink Assist is a health app targeted towards elderly people and used in collaboration with their caregivers. The comprehensive list of features housed in our app is dedicated to helping elderly users cope with daily age-specific challenges and aims to improve their overall quality of life. This app is like no other as it combines solutions to multiple challenges faced by the elderly, all accessible on one mobile platform. Sixty-one percent of people over the age of 65 own a mobile phone (National Library of Medicine, 2022), ensuring that Lifelink Assist is highly necessary, accessible, and convenient. Our app houses a selection of features that each target a struggle faced by elderly people. The pill reminder feature, for example, uses a range of complex AI programs such as pattern recognition to create repetitive reminders once the dates and times are set, guaranteeing that elderly users are keeping on top of taking their medication.

App Name: SunGuard AI 
Team members: Isabella Kelly, Claudia Lee, Namina Sogore and Sophia Yparraguirre

Main Concept: 
Our ‘AI for Good’ concept is an app that utilises artificial intelligence to raise awareness, reduce the risk and potentially even assist in early detection. The app name, SunGuard AI, will be available across all IOS and Android devices and allow users to access a range of services at the tip of their fingers. Features included, but are not limited to sun safety alerts that monitor the UV index, sunscreen recommendations based on user skin type, quick access to contact local medical clinics based on location and specialisation, UV and mole scanning technology that detects and diagnoses concerns and conditions and a virtual assistant that can answer any related questions, at any time. 

Rosanne Sukkar
Dean of Enterprise & Innovation and TAS Teacher