Over the last few months we have witnessed a real exploit of iartificial intelligence (AI), used in the most disparate fields. Some have used it to write songs, others to generate cyber attacks and even those who have seen fit to take advantage of it in class assignments. However, another use has arrived in the medical field: exploiting artificial intelligence to give voice to sufferers of Slastands for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis.
The project is called Voice for Purpose and comes from the mind of the actor and voice actor Pino I teach, famous for its iconic voices on the big screen. In fact, AI makes it possible to simulate and reproduce, even in voice, the entire spectrum of human emotions through the inflection and expressiveness of the sound emitted. People can thus record their voice today for tomorrow, or donate it to the database. This will be available to patients affected by ALS, who will be able to choose it and use it as a communication tool.
Voice for Purpose: artificial intelligence to give voice to ALS patients
The initiative, promoted by Campus Bio-Medico University of Rome, NeMO Clinical Centers, Nemo Lab, Translated, Dream On e ISOLATE (Italian Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Association) aims to improve some systems already in use in the medical field. In fact, current speech synthesis technologies already allow people with ALS to communicate. However, these are synthetic, robotic voices, totally depersonalized and without emotional inflections. Artificial intelligence, on the other hand, would be able not only to restore the emotions of a dialogue, but also to restore their dignity.
In fact, remember that ALS is a disease neurovegetativa rare that attacks the brain and spinal cord cells that allow us to manage voluntary muscles. In the absence of effective treatments, at least at the moment, research progresses very slowly. And that’s why much effort is put into assisting those affected with the physical disabilities that ALS entails.
You can donate your voice
The project plans to create a real voice bank. Everyone can donate in an absolutely free and intuitive way. Donors will be asked to record reading a short written message. These will then be contacted if a person decides to use their voice. The project also allows you to donate to yourself, recording your voice in case of any future needs.
The process will also be simple for the recipients, who will only need a profile on the platform. To date, the project has about 250 vocal donations. The user can choose up to 3.
For more information on how to donate, please refer to the official website of the project.