At Lenovo Tech World ’24, Lenovo, a global technology leader, partnered with the Scott-Morgan Foundation (SMF) to introduce an AI-powered solution aimed at enhancing communication for individuals with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and other severe disabilities. This innovative technology leverages generative AI to address accessibility challenges, underscoring a shared commitment to making AI more inclusive and impactful.
The solution integrates a circular keyboard interface designed by SMF and Lenovo, predictive AI developed by Lenovo, personalized voice replication from ElevenLabs, hyper-realistic avatars by D-ID, and eye-tracking technology from IrisBond. Together, these components enable precise, fast, and deeply personalized communication.
Currently undergoing testing with SMF’s ALS community and leading clinicians, this initiative builds on years of collaboration between SMF and Lenovo, aiming to scale assistive technology for those with ALS—a progressive neurodegenerative disease that often leads to total paralysis—and other conditions. The project opens new possibilities for transforming the lives of people with disabilities.
The event highlighted a touching story of a father diagnosed with ALS using the technology to narrate stories and sing to his children in his own voice. Linda Yao, Lenovo's Vice President of AI Solutions and Services, described the initiative as a testament to the transformative potential of AI, calling it "Smarter AI for All." She emphasized Lenovo’s commitment to working with compassionate partners like SMF to leverage AI for meaningful impact.
LaVonne Roberts, SMF’s Executive Director, highlighted the mission of breaking down barriers and democratizing life-changing technologies, envisioning a world where even those with severe disabilities can fully express themselves through advanced technology. She noted that over 500 million people globally face communication challenges due to neurological or muscular conditions, and this work has the potential for widespread impact.
Erin Taylor, a disability advocate living with ALS, demonstrated the technology at the event. She expressed excitement about speaking with a pre-diagnosis voice and contributing to the development of smarter, more inclusive technologies. Lenovo also showcased an integrated prototype designed with human-centric principles and cutting-edge AI.
Traditional voice banking has often been labor-intensive and emotionally limited, but advancements in AI have transformed this field. ElevenLabs CEO Mati Staniszewski described the breakthrough in creating expressive, on-demand voices even from limited or degraded samples. Similarly, D-ID’s lifelike avatar technology, based on minimal inputs like still images, enhances the solution’s scalability and realism.
The technology currently operates on Lenovo’s ThinkPad x12 detachable PC, which offers both portability and compatibility with IrisBond’s precise eye-tracking system. Eduardo Jauregui Torrecilla, CEO of IrisBond, highlighted the transformative potential of AI in empowering people with conditions like ALS or cerebral palsy to communicate effectively.
The initiative honors the vision of Dr. Peter Scott-Morgan, a pioneering roboticist who dreamed of revolutionizing assistive technology before his passing in 2022. Andrew Morgan, CEO of SMF, emphasized the critical role of AI in driving this progress and the ongoing need to advocate for these solutions to ensure accessibility for all.
The solution integrates a circular keyboard interface designed by SMF and Lenovo, predictive AI developed by Lenovo, personalized voice replication from ElevenLabs, hyper-realistic avatars by D-ID, and eye-tracking technology from IrisBond. Together, these components enable precise, fast, and deeply personalized communication.
Currently undergoing testing with SMF’s ALS community and leading clinicians, this initiative builds on years of collaboration between SMF and Lenovo, aiming to scale assistive technology for those with ALS—a progressive neurodegenerative disease that often leads to total paralysis—and other conditions. The project opens new possibilities for transforming the lives of people with disabilities.
The event highlighted a touching story of a father diagnosed with ALS using the technology to narrate stories and sing to his children in his own voice. Linda Yao, Lenovo's Vice President of AI Solutions and Services, described the initiative as a testament to the transformative potential of AI, calling it "Smarter AI for All." She emphasized Lenovo’s commitment to working with compassionate partners like SMF to leverage AI for meaningful impact.
LaVonne Roberts, SMF’s Executive Director, highlighted the mission of breaking down barriers and democratizing life-changing technologies, envisioning a world where even those with severe disabilities can fully express themselves through advanced technology. She noted that over 500 million people globally face communication challenges due to neurological or muscular conditions, and this work has the potential for widespread impact.
Erin Taylor, a disability advocate living with ALS, demonstrated the technology at the event. She expressed excitement about speaking with a pre-diagnosis voice and contributing to the development of smarter, more inclusive technologies. Lenovo also showcased an integrated prototype designed with human-centric principles and cutting-edge AI.
Traditional voice banking has often been labor-intensive and emotionally limited, but advancements in AI have transformed this field. ElevenLabs CEO Mati Staniszewski described the breakthrough in creating expressive, on-demand voices even from limited or degraded samples. Similarly, D-ID’s lifelike avatar technology, based on minimal inputs like still images, enhances the solution’s scalability and realism.
The technology currently operates on Lenovo’s ThinkPad x12 detachable PC, which offers both portability and compatibility with IrisBond’s precise eye-tracking system. Eduardo Jauregui Torrecilla, CEO of IrisBond, highlighted the transformative potential of AI in empowering people with conditions like ALS or cerebral palsy to communicate effectively.
The initiative honors the vision of Dr. Peter Scott-Morgan, a pioneering roboticist who dreamed of revolutionizing assistive technology before his passing in 2022. Andrew Morgan, CEO of SMF, emphasized the critical role of AI in driving this progress and the ongoing need to advocate for these solutions to ensure accessibility for all.