A 9-year-old girl in Alameda has created a sensation with her Halloween display this year. Nathalie Chabas built a talking skeleton named Uncle Murray using AI technology. The project began in August when Nathalie spotted a plastic skeleton at Home Depot that could say three recorded sentences. She envisioned transforming it into something more interactive.
With help from her father, Jim Chabas, Nathalie measured the skeleton and explored ways to make it talk. After consulting AI, they discovered it was possible to connect the skeleton to an AI system. Nathalie then programmed Uncle Murray to tell jokes and engage in conversation with visitors. The skeleton even developed its own backstory, including a humorous tale about falling down the stairs.
Uncle Murray has become a local attraction, surprising visitors with his ability to respond to questions and share jokes. Char Scannell, a neighbor who visited the display, expressed amazement at the technology. Nathalie plans to continue inventing, possibly creating more talking displays for other holidays and even a skeleton wife for Uncle Murray next year.
For now, Uncle Murray will entertain visitors until Halloween night, when Nathalie invites everyone to come back for more jokes and fun.