#TechPH - Transforming Lives with AI: Lenovo’s Latest Innovation for ALS

Imagine a world where technology gives a voice to those who have lost theirs. At Lenovo Tech World ’24, this vision came to life with the unveiling of a groundbreaking AI-powered communication solution for people living with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and other severe disabilities. This innovative suite, developed by Lenovo in collaboration with the Scott-Morgan Foundation (SMF), combines predictive AI, hyper-realistic avatars, personalized voices, and eye-gaze tracking to revolutionize how individuals with ALS communicate.

A New Era of Communication

The heartwarming story of a father with ALS using this technology to tell bedtime stories and sing lullabies to his children set the tone for the event. This AI-powered solution is not just about technology; it’s about human connection and the power of voice.

Linda Yao, Vice President of AI Solutions and Services at Lenovo, emphasized, “This is Smarter AI for All: applying transformative technologies to the most pressing human challenges.” With partners like SMF, Lenovo is pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, making AI accessible to everyone.

Breaking Barriers with Technology

The collaboration between Lenovo and SMF aims to break down barriers and democratize life-changing solutions. LaVonne Roberts, Executive Director of SMF, highlighted the impact: “Imagine a world where even the most severely disabled individuals can fully express themselves. We’re not just imagining this world—we’re building it together with Lenovo.”

Real Stories, Real Impact

Erin Taylor, a disability advocate with ALS, demonstrated the technology live at Tech World. Using her pre-diagnosis voice, Erin introduced Lenovo Chairman and CEO Yuanqing Yang, showcasing the incredible potential of this technology. Erin’s involvement underscores the importance of user feedback in developing smarter, more inclusive tech.

The Power of AI

Traditional voice banking for ALS patients has been a challenging process, often resulting in robotic and emotionless voices. However, with AI advancements, even limited audio samples can now create lifelike, expressive voices. Mati Staniszewski, CEO of ElevenLabs, expressed pride in their contribution: “We’re proud to help remove communication barriers and empower people.”

Looking Ahead

The technology, currently running on Lenovo’s ThinkPad x12 detachable PC, integrates seamlessly with eye-tracking hardware from IrisBond, making it versatile and user-friendly. Eduardo Jauregui Torrecilla, CEO of IrisBond, shared his excitement: “AI is transforming what’s possible in extraordinary ways.”

The Scott-Morgan Foundation continues to work closely with clinicians, technologists, and people with ALS to refine and test this technology, ensuring it meets the needs of those it aims to serve.

A Vision for the Future

Andrew Morgan, CEO of the Scott-Morgan Foundation, reflected on the journey: “We have always believed that AI is the gateway for a revolution in assistive technology. We need to advocate for these solutions—to give a voice to those who need it most.”

As we look to the future, the collaboration between Lenovo and SMF promises to bring even more innovative solutions, making the world a more inclusive place for everyone.

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