Iris: Pioneering the Future of Conversational AI in Sign Language
In watsonx Expert Partner Agentic AI Academy EMEA in Paris, amongst many insightful presentations and hands-on labs, we had the unique opportunity to test Iris -the world's first conversational assistant in sign language. Experiencing this technology firsthand showcased its potential to revolutionize communication, making digital assistants more inclusive than ever before.
Developed through a collaboration between IBM, Sopra Steria, and IVeS, Iris was designed to improve accessibility for the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community, leveraging IBM's watsonx Assistant and advanced AI-driven sign language recognition to enable seamless communication. The assistant interprets users' sign language input via a camera, processes the request using AI, and responds in sign language through an animated avatar, making digital interactions more inclusive.
This innovative project addresses a crucial gap in digital accessibility, where voice and text-based assistants often exclude sign language users. By integrating machine learning and natural language processing, Iris can understand and respond to a wide range of queries, from customer service interactions to general information requests. The use of real-time sign language recognition ensures that Deaf users can engage with technology in a way that feels natural and intuitive, without relying on text-based interfaces. Currently, Iris understands multiple sign languages including French Sign Language (LSF), Quebec Sign Language (LSQ), American Sign Language (ASL), and Tunisian Sign Language (LST). This functionality is achieved through the integration of several advanced technologies.
The development of Iris is a significant step toward a more inclusive digital world. As AI-driven sign language recognition continues to improve, the potential applications of this technology will expand into areas such as education, healthcare, and public services. By setting a new standard for accessibility, Iris demonstrates how AI can be leveraged to bridge communication gaps and empower underrepresented communities.
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Ana Cihaber
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Original Message:
Sent: Fri March 28, 2025 09:26 AM
From: Ana Cihaber
Subject: Exploring Agentic AI at the first watsonx Expert Partner Agentic AI Academy EMEA in Paris
Agentic AI is gaining attention as a new approach that blends the adaptability of large language models (LLMs) with the structured precision of traditional programming. With its ability to make autonomous decisions, learn from interactions, and refine its responses over time, this technology has the potential to reshape how businesses and researchers approach problem-solving.
To explore these possibilities, IBM hosted the first watsonx Expert Partner Agentic AI Academy EMEA in Paris from March 17-19, and our team from Ingram Micro Serbia CoE had the opportunity to participate. Sessions dived into the evolving role of Agentic AI, its practical applications, and what it means for the future of AI-driven solutions. Attendees will gain insights into IBM's approach to Agentic AI, real-world use cases, and emerging opportunities in Business Analytics, Business Automation, and conversational AI. The event will also highlight examples of collaboration and co-creation with partners.
Key Topics of the event were:
• IBM's Approach to Agentic AI – A look at how watsonx is being designed to support AI-driven automation and decision-making, with an emphasis on openness, collaboration, and real-world impact.
• Cross-Sector Applications – How watsonx can complement existing solutions in Business Analytics and Business Automation to support data-driven decision-making at scale.
• Hands-On Demos & Use Cases – Interactive demonstrations and case studies showcasing how partners are integrating watsonx into their solutions.
• The Future of AI & Market Trends – Discussion on the evolving AI landscape, including foundation models, data governance, and responsible AI development.
This event was a great occasion to engage with peers, share insights, and better understand how Agentic AI fits into the broader AI ecosystem.
We look forward to the next opportunity to join!
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Ana Cihaber
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