https://drive.google.com/file/d/15ELlbubzL9JYqIihQa-7YfU6nCEjyCb-/view?usp=sharing

Inspiration We’ve all had days when even small computer tasks feel like extra work. Finding a file, opening the right application, or figuring out what to click next can be frustrating when you’re already tired.

That inspired Bob the Butler. We wanted to make everyday computer tasks easier without requiring every request to become part of a stored conversation history.

What it does Bob helps with calculations, text editing, and supported app and game tasks. Users can switch between task categories or choose a walkthrough that lets them complete each step at their own pace.

Its core processes supported commands locally and does not maintain a chat history. Documents users save, diagnostic files, and optional online services have separate storage behavior.

How we built it We combined a small locally trained AI model as well as a custom trained model on a NVIDIA Ampere A30 GPU with Python tools for specific tasks. We started with basic commands and added features as we tested Bob and discovered what needed improvement.

Challenges we faced One frustrating lesson was that opening an application doesn’t mean the task is finished. Sometimes Bob could launch a program but couldn’t find the next button. Other times, a command worked in a simulated test but failed when we tried it ourselves.

Another frustration is that we had to retrain our local AI again because desired outcome was not correct.

Those moments made us focus more on clear feedback, follow-up questions, and ways for users to pause or stop an action.

What we learned We learned to be careful about what we call “working.” A feature needs to succeed in actual use, not just in a test.

We also learned that privacy needs a clear explanation. While also, not keeping a chat history, but we still need to tell users when files are saved, or requests go to an outside service.

What comes next Bob is still a prototype. We’re working toward a more reliable experience, a finished graphical interface, and clearer commands.

We want Bob to take some of the small tasks off people’s hands while letting them decide how much help they want.