College and Career Ready: Westminster High trio develop AI-powered robotic service animal

Three seniors from the Huntington Beach Union High School District paired ingenuity with limited resources to develop an artificial intelligence-powered robotic service animal, designed for people with visual disabilities. They are the subjects of our new video series, “College and Career Ready,” featuring OCDE Deputy Superintendent Dr. Ramon Miramontes.

Ryan Huynh, Larry Le and Kevin Vo from Westminster High School created a robotic service dog that uses AI to help visually impaired users navigate different environments. The technology is intended to serve as an affordable alternative for those unable to purchase a traditional guide dog or wait to be matched with one. 

Together, the students submitted their project to Intel’s AI Global Impact Festival, an annual program that serves as a platform for young innovators, developers and educators worldwide to explore the potential of artificial intelligence to solve real-world challenges.

The 12th graders’ robot earned top honors for the United States, received the AI for Accessibility Award and brought home a total of $2,500 in prize money.

In our second segment of “College and Career Ready,” Dr. Miramontes sits down with the three classmates to discuss their technology, interests and goals for the future.