In a remarkable blend of nostalgia and modern technology, a Bengaluru-based tech enthusiast has transformed his grandfather’s decades-old rotary telephone into a fully functional voice-activated AI assistant—spending less than ₹2,000 on the project.
The innovation was shared on social media by Pankaj Tanwar, known on X as @the2ndfloorguy, where it quickly went viral for creatively combining retro hardware with cutting-edge artificial intelligence.
Pankaj revealed that the inspiration behind the project came from his dislike for conventional smart speakers. “I was tired of talking to ugly plastic boxes,” he wrote, referring to popular devices such as Amazon Alexa and Google Home.
A vintage phone with modern intelligence
The rotary telephone, believed to be a family heirloom from the 1970s or earlier, now functions as a voice-controlled AI assistant. The system responds to the wake word “Hey Kiri,” a playful nod to Apple’s Siri.
Users simply lift the receiver and speak commands naturally. The device can perform a range of tasks including booking cabs, ordering food, scheduling reminders, controlling smart home lights, and even holding casual conversations.
The device retains the original rotary dial and handset, preserving its vintage charm while incorporating modern computing capabilities internally.
Powered by Raspberry Pi and AI tools
To build the device, Pankaj retrofitted the telephone with off-the-shelf components. At the heart of the system is a Raspberry Pi single-board computer that processes voice commands and powers the AI functions.
The setup integrates speech-to-text and text-to-speech technologies—similar to tools used in platforms such as ChatGPT—allowing the assistant to understand and respond naturally. While Pankaj did not disclose the exact AI model used, the functionality suggests integration with modern conversational AI systems.
The entire project reportedly cost about ₹2,000, including the Raspberry Pi mini computer, microphone and speaker modifications, and internal wiring.
Learn more about the technology behind AI assistants on Wikipedia.
Not his first innovative project
Interestingly, this is not Pankaj’s first viral experiment. The tech enthusiast has previously created other quirky AI-powered gadgets, including a system designed to detect public smoking and play deterrent sounds.
However, his rotary phone project has captured the internet’s imagination for its clever fusion of retro aesthetics and modern artificial intelligence.
As AI continues to evolve, creative innovations like this highlight how older technologies can be revived and reimagined—turning nostalgic household objects into smart devices for the digital age.