Lenovo, a global technology leader, and the Scott-Morgan Foundation (SMF), a non-profit pioneering innovative assistive tech, introduced an (artificial intelligence) AI-powered communication suite designed for people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and other disabilities during Lenovo Tech World ’24.
This solution, blending predictive AI, hyper-realistic avatars, and eye-tracking technology, aims to support individuals who face significant communication barriers due to neurological or muscular disorders.
The technology suite offers a new approach to assistive tech, combining predictive AI by Lenovo, voice replicas from ElevenLabs, avatars from D-ID, and eye-tracking hardware from IrisBond. This integration allows users to communicate more quickly and expressively, overcoming the challenges posed by physical limitations.
“This is Smarter AI for All: applying transformative technologies to the most pressing human challenges,” said Linda Yao, VP of AI Solutions and Services at Lenovo. “Together with SMF, we envision a future where AI supports everyone’s needs.”
The launch included a demonstration by Erin Taylor, an ALS advocate, who introduced herself to Lenovo’s CEO, Yuanqing Yang, using the technology.
“Speaking with my voice as it sounded pre-diagnosis is incredible, of course, but what excites me most is participating in the development of smarter technology for others,” Taylor said.
Erin has played a key role in providing feedback to the development team, enhancing the technology to ensure it meets user needs.
Wide-reaching impact
“Imagine a world where even the most severely disabled individuals can fully express themselves, where cutting-edge technology gives voice to the voiceless,” said LaVonne Roberts, executive director of SMF. “We’re building this world together with Lenovo.”
Roberts emphasized that with over 500 million people globally facing similar challenges, this innovation has the potential to make a wide-reaching impact.
This solution builds upon early designs shown at CES 2024 and is currently being tested with ALS patients. SMF and Lenovo intend for it to address both ALS and other conditions.
“We prioritized human-centric design and leveraged our expertise in innovative user experiences,” said Daniel Pollock, UX prototyper, Lenovo.
“Over the past year, we’ve been deeply inspired by individuals reclaiming their voices despite all the challenges, and we’re grateful for the chance to play a part in that process,” said Mati Staniszewski, CEO of ElevenLabs. “D-ID’s lifelike avatars further enhance this experience, translating limited audio or visual inputs into realistic expressions.
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