Microsoft announced $25 million (roughly Rs. 168 crores) initiative to empower people with disabilities through artificial intelligence technology.
The announcement was made during theMicrosoft’s annual conference for software developers ‘Build conference, held at Seattle from May 7 to May 9. Microsoft President Brad Smith said the through this initiative the company hopes to empower people by accelerating the development of artificial intelligence tools that provide them with more opportunities for independence and employment.
Already existing Microsoft accessibility tools includes “Seeing AI” free smartphone app using computer vision and narration to help people navigate if they’re blind or have low vision. Microsoft’s translation tool also provides deaf users with real-time captioning of conversations.
The idea is to get more startups excited about building tools for people with disabilities – both for the social good and for their large market potential, Smith said.
Source: Associated Press
