FEATURE - The Bobinator

By Ken (11) & Tina (14) Greten

“I think, therefore I am,” announced CAIN 2040. “See Grandpa,” John beamed, “CAIN is real, he’s like an older brother!” John was visiting his grandfather with his new wearable device from the Children’s AI Network. 

Old Bob was baffled about the name of the watch-like device. “Funny name for a brother.” 

“Why?” wondered John. 

“Have you ever heard of the story of Cain and Abel?” 

John shook his head and asked the device on his arm: “CAIN, what is the story of Cain and Abel?” 

CAIN answered: “According to Christian belief, Cain and Abel were Adam and Eve's children, the first humans on earth. Cain was a farmer and Abel was a shepherd. The story is about their interaction between God and themselves.” 

“Ha, thought so!” Bob exclaimed. “CAIN has left out some important details”. He whipped out an old book called the Bible and read the full story. 

After they sat quietly for a while, Bob stood up. “Hey Johnny, could you help me with some of the chores? I need to feed the chickens and collect the eggs.” 

“OK, I'll help,” John replied. 

“Don’t go there,” CAIN warned. “It is dangerous. There could be snakes or dropbears around.”

“That's hogwash! It’s perfectly safe and I'm with you.” Bob was getting annoyed. 

CAIN kept lecturing: “Eggs from a private source are not safe. Purchase eggs from a government certified facility instead.” 

“Does CAIN have an off switch?” snarled Bob, turning towards the door. “Are you coming with me or not?” 

John thought for a moment. “OK, I’m coming with you.” While picking up the eggs, they heard a noise from the house. 

“What’s that sound?” John wondered. 

“My phone,” Bob answered. 

“Shouldn’t you answer it?” John enquired.

 “If it’s important, it will ring again.” replied Bob calmly. Instantly it rang again. 

They slowly walked back to the house. As soon as they stepped inside, the phone rang again. Bob picked it up.

 “Hello Sarah”. 

“Yes, he is with me.” 

“

You are kidding me! An ankle-monitor in disguise?” 

“He’s fine, see ya.” 

Bob’s face looked like he skipped his morning coffee.

“What was that all about, Grandpa?” John asked. 

“Your mother told me that the thing on your arm sent a safety alert to her.” Bob pointed angrily at CAIN. “Big brother is watching you!”

John got all quiet. Bob shook his head again. “Let’s go and make lunch! Get me the tomato sauce from the pantry, will you?” 

“CAIN, turn on the light.” ordered John. 

After a moment, CAIN stated: “No compatible devices found.” 

Bob gave John a slap on the head. “Use your eyes! This is a light switch.” 

During lunch Bob calmed down and apologised to John for getting angry. 

Afterwards he cheered up and suggested: “Hey Johnny, would you like to go outside and do some drawing?” 

“I’d like to, but CAIN is a much better drawer than me.” objected John. 

Bob’s face turned serious again. “John. There’s something that really bothers me about AI” he started. “We have outsourced everything that makes us human: Thinking, creativity, problem solving, navigating, imagination. Heck, even ordering groceries. Your brain is marvellous, but if you don’t use it, you will lose it and you will become a mindless blob of flesh!” Bob ranted. 

“You have a choice: AI or Reality.” 

John contemplated for a while, then he slowly removed CAIN from his wrist, picked up some paper and pencils and headed for the deck. 

Bob nodded, turned to CAIN and muttered: “Hasta la vista, baby.” 

“Huh?” John questioned. 

“Nothing,” Bob chirped in reply.