Shanghai student develops AI study companion without coding skills

Zhu Shuhan, a 13-year-old student from Shanghai's Kaiyuan School, has developed a virtual study companion application named ‘Zai Chang’ using generative artificial intelligence. Despite having no prior programming background, Zhu utilized natural language prompts to instruct AI models to write code and assemble the application's functions.

The app addresses the challenge of parental supervision during home study. By uploading photos of parents, the system creates virtual avatars that use camera detection to identify behaviors such as using a mobile phone, leaning on a desk, or leaving the seat. The virtual avatar provides gentle voice reminders and can notify actual parents if certain thresholds are met. The system also generates focus analysis reports after study sessions.

Zhu secured third place in a ‘Markethon’ marketing hackathon held in Hangzhou. The competition featured over 50 teams and utilized a market-driven judging system where success was determined solely by real sales rather than a panel of judges. Within three days, the application sold nearly 90 orders, generating a net income of over 18,000 yuan.