5 AI Projects Web Developers Can Build in 2024 (No ML Background Required)
AI is no longer the exclusive domain of PhD-holding researchers. Thanks to libraries like TensorFlow.js, any web developer can build AI-powered applications. Here are 5 practical projects you can build this year.
1. Image Classification App
What it does: Upload an image, and the app identifies what's in it (e.g., "dog", "cat", "car").
Why build it: Great for learning the basics. Use a pre-trained MobileNet model from TensorFlow.js. No training required.
Skills you'll learn: Model loading, image preprocessing, inference
2. Real-Time Pose Detection
What it does: Use your webcam to detect body pose. Draw skeletons showing joints and bones.
Why build it: Cool demo, useful for fitness apps, VR experiences, or gesture recognition.
Skills you'll learn: Real-time processing, canvas drawing, webcam access
3. Sentiment Analysis Tool
What it does: Analyze text sentiment (positive, negative, neutral). Useful for social media monitoring or review analysis.
Why build it: Learn NLP without Python. Use Universal Sentence Encoder from TensorFlow.js.
Skills you'll learn: NLP basics, text processing, embeddings
4. Handwriting Recognition
What it does: Draw numbers on canvas, and the model predicts what you drew.
Why build it: Fun, interactive, and great for learning model training basics.
Skills you'll learn: Training models in the browser, canvas drawing, model persistence
5. Object Detection in Video
What it does: Detect objects in real-time video (boxes around detected items). Track movement.
Why build it: Most useful for real applications. Security monitoring, inventory tracking, etc.
Skills you'll learn: Object detection models, video processing, performance optimization
Getting Started
Install TensorFlow.js:
npm install @tensorflow/tfjsLoad a pre-trained model:
const model = await tf.loadLayersModel('modelUrl');
const predictions = model.predict(input);Why Build AI Projects?
- Future-proof your skills - AI is everywhere now
- Build cooler projects - Impress users and employers
- New opportunities - AI skills command higher salaries
- Fun - Building AI is genuinely exciting
Next Steps
Pick one of these projects and build it this week. Share it on GitHub. Tweet about it. Get feedback. Iterate.
The best way to learn is by doing. Start now.