Vection wins award for Algho inclusive sign AI tool
Vection Technologies has won an "Inclusive AI Solution" award from Dell Technologies and Intel for its Algho Sign Language product.
The recognition came at the AI Festival in Milan, an event focused on artificial intelligence. Vection said the award related to work by its subsidiary QuestIT.
Algho Sign Language uses a digital human interface that can understand and generate Italian Sign Language. Vection described it as a real-time system for deaf and hard-of-hearing users.
Product focus
Vection said the product differs from pre-recorded accessibility tools. It generates responses live. Vection also said it can publish service updates, alerts, notifications and emergency messages directly in sign language.
The company positioned the product for public settings and digital services. It cited transport hubs, government services, healthcare facilities and retail locations. It also cited websites, mobile applications, interactive kiosks and social media channels.
QuestIT developed the system on Vection's Algho conversational AI platform, according to the company. Vection said it uses computer vision and multimodal AI. It analyses hand gestures, posture and facial expressions. The system responds through a 3D avatar that communicates in Italian Sign Language.
Partners involved
Vection identified Dell and Intel as partners for the project. It said Dell provided high-performance computing infrastructure. It also said the infrastructure supports real-time AI inference, visual synthesis and model optimisation through GPU-accelerated systems.
Vection said Intel supported AI for the system. It did not disclose financial terms or commercial arrangements linked to the award.
Research inputs
The company said the Italian Sign Language knowledge base used by the product came from collaboration with ENS, described as Ente Nazionale per la protezione e l'assistenza dei Sordi ETS APS. Vection also cited contributions from Italian Sign Language experts at CNR's LaCAM Labouratory and the University of Siena.
Vection said the work aimed to improve independent access to information and services for deaf users. It said the system is designed for use across multiple channels in public environments and online.
Market signals
Companies and public sector bodies have increased focus on accessibility and digital inclusion in recent years. Technology suppliers have also increased work on tools that offer real-time translation and multimodal interaction.
Vection framed the award as recognition of inclusive AI work and collaboration between an application vendor and infrastructure partners. It also pointed to demand for accessibility-linked technology deployments across services.
"We are greatly proud of this recognition. It confirms the vision of Vection Technologies which, together with international partners such as Dell Technologies and Intel, promotes a truly conscious, ethical, and responsible use of artificial intelligence, capable of generating tangible value for people and society", said Gianmarco Biagi, CEO and Managing Director, Vection Technologies. "With solutions like Algho Sign Language, we demonstrate that technological innovation can and must be guided by principles of inclusion, privacy protection, and sustainability, placing technology at the service of rights, accessibility, and individual autonomy," added Biagi.
Vection said it expects continued interest in inclusive AI solutions as organisations increase investment in digital services and accessibility programmes.