At Lenovo Tech World 2024, Lenovo and the Scott-Morgan Foundation (SMF) introduced a groundbreaking AI-powered communication solution designed for people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and other severe disabilities.
“This is Smarter AI for All: applying transformative technologies to the most pressing human challenges. With compassionate partners like the Scott-Morgan Foundation and a bold vision to bring AI to everyone, we are using our AI expertise and portfolio to show how bright the future can be.”
Linda Yao, Lenovo Vice President of AI Solutions and Services
Lenovo and SMF’s AI-Powered Solution
This solution combines various advanced technologies, including predictive AI, hyper-realistic avatars, personalized voice replicas, and eye-tracking, to enable people with limited mobility to communicate effectively.
“We live in a world where over half a billion people are silenced, not by choice, but by disability. Imagine a world where even the most severely disabled individuals can fully express themselves, where cutting-edge technology gives voice to the voiceless. We’re not just imagining this world—we’re building it together with Lenovo. With over 500 million people worldwide grappling with muscular or neurological conditions, our work has the potential to impact lives on a massive scale.”
LaVonne Roberts, SMF Executive Director
The integrated system includes a circular keyboard interface, developed by SMF and Lenovo, and utilizes AI from the latter, voice replication by ElevenLabs, avatar technology by D-ID, and eye-tracking technology by IrisBond.
The solution allows users to create personalized communication experiences, including speaking with an AI-generated version of their voice. A key component of the project is scalability, aiming to make this technology accessible to millions worldwide affected by neurodegenerative diseases and disabilities.
The initiative was inspired by Dr. Peter Scott-Morgan, a pioneering roboticist who envisioned technology giving a voice to the voiceless. The company’s ThinkPad x12 serves as the platform for this assistive technology, which is being actively tested with the ALS community.
For more information, visit Lenovo’s website and SMF’s website.
Started his freelancing adventure in 2018 and began doing freelance Audio Engineering work and then started freelance writing a few years later.
Currently he writes for Gadget Pilipinas and Grit.PH.
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