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Alice Yan

An 18-year-old boy in Shanghai, who created a simple app using artificial intelligence (AI) to remind his grandfather to take his medication on time, has gained significant attention on social media and received widespread acclaim online.
Ma Kai, a recent secondary school graduate, took the national university entrance exam, known as the gaokao, in June.
His story came to light when he was interviewed by the Shanghai Morning Post as an ordinary young visitor at the World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) held in mid-July in Shanghai.
During the interview, he showcased his self-developed app, which is designed to remind his grandfather to take his medication punctually.

He explained that his app was built using a large language model (LLM) called MiniCPM, developed by the Beijing-based AI company ModelBest.
“I learned some experts from this company would be at the exhibition, so I came to ask them questions,” Ma stated.
He acknowledged that his app is still in its early stages, describing it as “comprising just some lines of code.”
In addition to the reminder feature, the app can also detect whether the medications have expired after the user uploads a photo of the packaging.
“The drug has expired. Please do not consume it,” the system will provide a loud vocal alert.

Ma shared that he has been raised by his grandfather, expressing a deep bond with the elderly man who is now in his 70s.
He plans to move to another city to begin his university journey in September and is concerned about his grandfather managing on his own, as he lives alone.
It remains unclear what field he will pursue at university.
“My grandpa has some underlying medical conditions and needs to take his medications regularly. There is absolutely no room for carelessness,” Ma remarked.
He expressed his worries that his grandfather might forget to take his medications or confuse them due to his poor memory, and he is also concerned that his grandfather might take expired drugs, which would harm his health.

“I developed this app to help remind my grandpa of his medication schedule,” Ma explained.
The story has sparked an outpouring of praise for the young innovator.
“AI not only can change the world but also protect our families. Well done, young man!” commented one observer online.
“It teaches us that today, the best way to show filial piety is to help our elderly family members keep up with the times,” remarked another.
A third user added: “It looks practical. I hope to install such an app on my parents’ mobile phones.”


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China teenager wins praise for developing app to remind grandpa to take daily medication

Ma Kai's app aims to ensure his grandfather takes his medications on time and avoids expired drugs. Photo: SCMP composite/Shutterstock/QQ.com

Ma Kai’s story gained attention during an interview with the Shanghai Morning Post when he attended an AI conference in Shanghai as an ordinary young visitor. Photo: Baidu

He revealed that his app was created using a large language model (LLM) named MiniCPM, developed by the Beijing-based AI company ModelBest. Photo: Baidu

Having been raised by his grandfather, whom he shares a deep bond with, Ma expressed his concerns for the elderly man, now in his 70s. Photo: Baidu

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With plans to relocate to another city for university in September, Ma worries about his grandfather managing alone, especially as he lives independently


With plans to relocate to another city for university in September, Ma worries about his grandfather managing alone, especially as he lives independently.


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China teenager wins praise for developing app to remind grandpa to take daily medication

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}With plans to relocate to another city for university in September, Ma worries about his grandfather managing alone, especially as he lives independently

With plans to relocate to another city for university in September, Ma worries about his grandfather managing alone, especially as he lives independently