Need fun, guidance at airports? This student-built robot in Dubai could be the answer

Dubai: Imagine navigating through an airport without the usual stress when you are traveling with young children or elderly family members. Two talented students from Crescent English High School in Dubai may have just offered a possible solution like this with their groundbreaking creation, Elli—an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered robot designed to make air travel more comfortable and efficient.

Grade nine students Fazin Ahamed and Emil C. Aneesh claimed first place at the Emirates Aviation University’s Third AI and Data Science Competition, impressing judges with their innovative approach to enhancing the airport experience.

Their project, ‘Elli: A Game Changer in UAE Aviation,’ focuses on easing the journey for children, elderly passengers, and single parents traveling with children, offering everything from entertainment to airport navigation assistance without human assistance.

Reflecting on their inspiration behind the robot’s design, Fazin said: “At airports, it can be overwhelming for families sometimes. We wanted to create something that would help both children and elderly people feel more at ease, especially in big, busy airports.”

The duo said Elli robot integrates AI with machine learning, deep learning, and neural networking to provide solutions tailored to specific passenger needs. A line follower robot that traces a given path using sensors, Elli is built using corrugated sheets, Arduino components, and Python software.

For children, Elli offers interactive games, music, and cartoons, keeping them entertained and distracted during long waits. Elderly passengers can benefit from easy navigation around vast airports without the need for pre-booked human support.

“Traveling can be stressful for single mothers, especially when they are handling luggage, check-ins, and children,” said Fazin. “Elderly citizens often struggle to navigate and find assistance in massive airports, and children frequently cry due to long waiting hours or because of relatives and grandparents seeing them off. We wanted Elli to provide a solution that addresses these challenges, creating a more inclusive environment for all without the need to pre-book additional human services.”

The duo’s vision extends beyond simple assistance. “Our mission is to make Elli a part of the UAE aviation industry, enhancing airports for children, elderly citizens, and single mothers. Elli can create a stress-free environment that improves the customer experience in UAE airports,” Emil said.

“It can transform airports into a fun and relaxing place, especially for families with children, while showcasing the UAE airports’ use of the latest and coolest technology,” he pointed out.

The tech wizards, who are guided by their school mentors Asma Fatima and Shanthini Selvamani, are already focused on their next steps.

“We plan to integrate face recognition technology and include real-time flight plans to make Elli even more helpful by telling the passengers about the upcoming flights and also help the passengers to carry their luggage,” said Fazin.

“Our next goal is to develop this project further by applying to Dubai AI Campus for additional support,” added Emil.

Enhancing research activities

The Faculty of Mathematics and Data Science at Emirates Aviation University hosted the competition designed to encourage high school students across the UAE to explore and enhance research activities in Data Science, AI and Robotics. A total of 37 talented students showcased their skills and innovative ideas across two competitive streams: poster presentation and project demonstration with poster and three winners were selected in each category.

“The event featured outstanding projects that highlighted cutting-edge AI applications, data-driven problem-solving, and robotics innovations, reflecting the students' deep understanding and creativity in these transformative fields,” the university said.