#Sweden #AI Technology #Stockholm #Microsoft #Tobii Dynavox

Tobii Dynavox at the Microsoft Ability Summit

On March 18, 2025, Tobii Dynavox, a leader in assistive communication technologies, made a significant impact at the Microsoft Ability Summit. This event showcased the collaborative innovations being spearheaded by Microsoft and Tobii Dynavox, particularly around how AI boosts accessibility for individuals with disabilities.

During the session titled "Future-Ready Tech AI and Accessibility," Tobii Dynavox presented its advancements in assistive communication solutions, which now incorporate Microsoft's AI-powered Neural Voice technology. This integration allows users, particularly those dealing with conditions like cerebral palsy, ALS, or autism, to communicate more effectively and with greater personalization than ever before.

The Power of AI in Assistive Communication

Tobii Dynavox's presentation highlighted a real-world application in which a user with cerebral palsy controlled Microsoft's Neural Voice using eye gaze technology. This demonstration underscored how individuals can leverage tools that enable them to select a personalized voice, choose the tone, and communicate in a way that truly reflects their identity. The ability to control voice output simply by looking at the screen not only improves communication speeds but also enriches the user experience.

What makes this technology groundbreaking is its multilingual capabilities. The integration of Microsoft's Neural Voice, which utilizes cutting-edge Azure AI Speech, is already available in Tobii Dynavox applications like TD Talk and TD Phone. These applications come with a wide variety of Neural Voices in over 50 languages, ensuring that people from different linguistic backgrounds can communicate seamlessly.

Expert Insights

Markus Cederlund, the Chief Product Development Officer of Dynavox Group, expressed his enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, "We are delighted to build on our longstanding work with Microsoft by presenting the latest advancements within assistive communication and AI at the Microsoft Ability Summit." Cederlund emphasized how the innovations further empower individuals with disabilities, giving them more choices in how they communicate.

Mary Bellard, Accessibility Innovation Architect at Microsoft, added to this sentiment, "At Microsoft, we believe AI has the power to transform the lives of people with disabilities by enhancing communication, accessibility, and independence." Her remarks reflect the shared vision between Tobii Dynavox and Microsoft to improve the landscape of assistive technologies.

Innovations Presented

In addition to showcasing the AI-driven Neural Voice, the Tobii Dynavox team introduced several other cutting-edge features:

• - Phrase Prediction in TD Talk: This feature helps speed up communication by predicting phrases, making it more intuitive for users.
• - See-Through Mode: A novel addition to TD Talk that allows the person’s screen to become transparent, promoting natural face-to-face conversations.
• - Integration with Immersive Reader: Leveraging Tobii Dynavox’s library of over 80,000 PCS symbols enhances symbol-based communication, making it easier for users to express themselves.
• - Windows Accessible IoT: A custom operating system that offers greater personalization and support tailored for users.

Conclusion

The collaboration between Tobii Dynavox and Microsoft at the Ability Summit showcases a pivotal moment in assistive communication technology. By harnessing AI, both organizations are committed to creating tools that not only facilitate communication but also empower individuals with disabilities, allowing them to express their unique identities. The innovations on display at the summit mark just the beginning of a more inclusive future, leveraging technology to combat barriers to communication.

For more information or inquiries, you may contact Anders Lundin, Senior PR Communications Manager at Tobii Dynavox, or explore their advancements in assistive technology through their official channels.