Participants with non-standard speech correlated with a variety of underlying conditions and disorders have been recruited to participate in the Nuvoic data collection and testing activities. The proper procedures and principles of data privacy, ethical research, and informed consent have been followed. Recorded speech data has been collected from Nuvoic participants to support the accelerated development of the core Nuvoic speech technology software, resulting in a large, unique database of non-standard speech. Customer research was completed to evaluate how the Nuvoic voice technology integrated with Nuvoic Home and Nuvoic Shop products can improve elderly and disabled consumers’ lives. Prototype of the Nuvoic Home and Nuvoic Shop were designed, which integrates Voiceitt’s technology within new use cases.
The main results of the project include technological, commercial, and impact milestones. Voiceitt’s next-generation continuous speech recognition technology was launched in 2023 following extensive engagement with end users and stakeholders in UK and Europe through data collection that augmented Voiceitt’s AI datasets. The technology was launched as a browser-based application and an API, which enables the technology to be integrated with mainstream products making voice-enabled devices, platforms, and software accessible for people with disabilities. In exploring significant use cases, prototypes for smart home and speaker speaker applications and an e-commerce app were successfully developed and their value investigated and evaluated through market research, interviews, and testing with end users.
Consortium partners leveraged their networks and industry knowledge to reach out and encourage widespread dissemination of communication material and project results/outcomes. To this end, the consortium performed profound engagement efforts, both for the user community, the professional community, and, importantly, a B2B customer base (e.g. organisations serving people with disabilities and elderly). The continuation of the engagement efforts has been driven by a communication and social media strategy to:
*Establish stronger users’ sharing on social media and stories;
*Educate about speech disability to the network that supports the users: families, friends, caregivers, and teachers;
*Communicate through relevant forums and social media channels;
*Engage the professional community to support our technology and efforts, including presentations at relevant conferences and forums, connections with educational institutions and non-profit organisations who serve people with disabilities.
*Information packages/materials developed and distributed to consumers, influencers and advocates for Nuvoic products;
*Publications of press releases/trial results in scientific journals or industry blogs/news media.
