YouTube Creator Builds Real-World AI-Powered Pokédex Using ChatGPT
A YouTube creator has combined cutting-edge technology and a love for Pokémon to build a real-world Pokédex with the help of OpenAI’s ChatGPT. Abraham Haskin, host of the Abe’s Project YouTube channel and a former Google engineer, wanted to create a functional version of the iconic Pokémon encyclopedia. By leveraging AI and the Pokémon API, Haskin’s AI-powered Pokédex can now identify Pokémon species from images or toys.
The Pokémon franchise has captivated fans around the world since its launch in 1996. A Pokédex is a digital encyclopedia in the Pokémon universe that records data on different species of Pokémon, including their traits, abilities, and habitats. Trainers use the Pokédex to keep track of their encounters and learn about each Pokémon.
While Nintendo and The Pokémon Company have released Pokédex replicas in the past, they have been simple toys without practical functionality. Haskin saw an opportunity to leverage advancements in technology to create a real-life version of the Pokédex. Using ChatGPT, OpenAI’s flagship AI model, and the Pokémon API, Haskin’s AI-powered Pokédex can accurately identify Pokémon when pointed at an image or toy, provided it is connected to a local Wi-Fi network.
During a demo, Haskin showcased the capabilities of the DIY Pokédex, demonstrating its ability to identify full-color Pokémon on a screen. However, it faced challenges with toys and miniatures. Haskin acknowledged that using GPT-4 technology can be expensive when making hundreds of calls to the system. Nevertheless, the implementation costs for the Pokémon project remain minimal.
Haskin explained that the AI-powered Pokédex project did have its share of challenges, including dealing with ChatGPT’s occasional quirks. However, the AI did not produce concerning responses or unrelated answers. Haskin also pointed out that while ChatGPT’s responses could be flaky, prompting it twice often resulted in the correct answer.
Other projects leveraging generative AI and Pokémon have also emerged, including POKE ‘LLMON by the Georgia Institute of Technology. This project uses AI to master Pokémon game battles with human-like skill.
Haskin expressed their love for nostalgia and hinted at the possibility of undertaking more iconic ’90s technology projects in the future. They are excited about exploring what modern technology can do to enhance and reimagine classic creations.
The real-world AI-powered Pokédex created by Abraham Haskin is a testament to the fusion of technology, nostalgia, and the enduring allure of Pokémon. With advancements in AI and the creative minds of enthusiasts like Haskin, it seems that the fantastical world of Pokémon is becoming more tangible and interactive than ever before.
