LFS

Last September I began a Linux From Scratch build as an Extended Research Project. Little did I know where it would lead.

While building the system, I needed to compile a toolchain, the kernel and basic utilities from source. In order to truly stretch the limits of the build, I also designed and implemented two artificial intelligence systems in the environment: an OS level system optimiser and a local virtual assistant.

My ultimate goal is to allow low cost hardware to host local AI applications. My 2023 experience developing a project to found a rural library in Kenya inspires me to want to bring digital literacy to those without access to expensive hardware.

The engineering aspect of the project was extremely challenging. Debugging alone late at night often required me to make the hard decision between expanding the systems capabilities or focusing on the stability of the core functions.

Moving away from the codebase proved to be just as challenging, as I needed to explain the architecture in extremely specific legal terms. This was required as on the 3rd of September, a joint patent for both AI systems was submitted.

Witnessing a project reach patent pending status is surreal. It's hard to believe what I've been working on late into the nights are now entering the process of becoming official intellectual property.

I'm extremely grateful to my school for allowing and supporting this kind of research, and to Mathys and Squire for their insight and expertise in this area. The two AI systems are covered by joint patent application GB2620499.0.