Apple & Amazon AI/ML Leaders to Discuss Accessibility

The Expanding Role of Data in Assistive Technology

The volume of sensors and collected data is increasing rapidly. Devices like smartphones, automobiles, and smart home systems are generating substantial amounts of information.

This data surge is proving invaluable to researchers and product developers. They are leveraging it to create innovative products and experiences.

Individuals who are blind or visually impaired are poised to experience significant benefits from these advancements, potentially exceeding current levels of support.

Sight Tech Global: Exploring Future Technologies

Sight Tech Global is pleased to announce two dedicated sessions. One session will feature representatives from Apple, and a separate session will include experts from Amazon.

These sessions will focus on the perspectives of these two technology leaders in machine learning and artificial intelligence. The discussions will center on the anticipated evolution of technology.

Particular emphasis will be placed on emerging experiences designed to assist individuals experiencing vision loss.

Event Details

Sight Tech Global is a complimentary, globally accessible, and entirely virtual event. It is scheduled to take place on December 1st and 2nd.

Registration is currently open. Secure your spot today to participate in this important event.

Accessibility and Machine Learning Innovations at Apple

A discussion featuring TechCrunch editor-in-chief Matthew Panzarino, alongside Jeff Bigham and Sarah Herrlinger, will explore Apple’s advancements in accessibility.

Jeff Bigham serves as the research lead for AI/ML accessibility at Apple and also holds a position as an associate professor of computer science at Carnegie-Mellon University.

His work centers on directing a team dedicated to enhancing accessibility through the application of artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies.

Sarah Herrlinger is Apple’s senior director of Global Accessibility Policy & Initiatives. She is responsible for overseeing Apple’s accessibility programs globally.

This includes support for disability communities, the development of accessibility features integrated into Apple’s products, and fostering a culture of inclusion within the company.

Apple’s iPhone and VoiceOver are highly valued by visually impaired individuals, offering a wide range of functionalities like navigation and email reading.

Recent additions, such as lidar and computer vision, coupled with cloud computing, have significantly expanded the phone’s ability to gather and interpret information about the surrounding environment.

Discussion Focus

Herrlinger and Bigham will present a comprehensive look at Apple’s design philosophy regarding accessibility.

They will detail the progress made over the past year, focusing on inclusivity within machine learning research.

Furthermore, they will outline current strategies and provide insights into upcoming features designed to improve accessibility.

The session will cover:

Apple’s holistic approach to accessible design.
Recent advancements in accessibility technologies.
The importance of inclusivity in AI/ML research.
Future accessibility features and innovations.

Apple is committed to creating products that are usable by everyone, and this session will highlight their ongoing efforts in this crucial area.

The Shift in Amazon’s Alexa Strategy: Prioritizing Proactive Assistance

During the Amazon segment at Sight Tech Global, Will Butler, Vice President of Be My Eyes, will engage in discussion with Prem Natarajan, Vice President of Alexa AI, and Beatrice Geoffrin, Director of Alexa Trust.

Beatrice Geoffrin holds the position of Director of Product Management within the Alexa division at Amazon. Her leadership is centered on bolstering customer confidence in Alexa and ensuring its usability for all, specifically through her oversight of the Alexa for Everyone team.

Prem Natarajan directs a diverse team encompassing scientific research, engineering, and product development. This team concentrates on enhancing the user experience via advancements in areas like dialog modeling, natural language understanding, and machine learning technologies.

Alexa has become a ubiquitous component of modern households, representing a valuable asset for individuals with visual impairments. The increasing integration of technology within homes necessitates input from various sources – including adaptable AI, multimodal comprehension, sensor data, and computer vision – to foster a genuinely immersive and responsive environment.

Currently, one in five interactions with Alexa smart home devices is initiated autonomously, without requiring a verbal command. As Alexa gains a deeper understanding of user habits and home environments, enabling it to anticipate needs and act accordingly, what impact will this have on accessibility features?

Registration for Sight Tech Global is now open. The event is freely accessible, virtual, and open to a global audience.

Sight Tech Global is organized by the Vista Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired. The event acknowledges the generous support of sponsors including Ford, Google, Humanware, Microsoft, Mojo Vision, Facebook, Fable, APH, and Vispero. Sponsorship opportunities are available; please contact the organizers for details.

All funds generated through sponsorships benefit the Vista Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired, a non-profit organization dedicated to serving the Silicon Valley community for the past 75 years.