While we are all used to having access to almost any content, the situation is different for the 285 million blind and visually impaired people worldwide: Only 3% of all text content is available in braille, because translation is so complex that it requires input by human experts, which makes it not accessible for individuals and not profitable for publishers in most cases. There is no alternative to braille, especially when it comes to education: 90% of people who can’t read braille are unemployed.

Braille translation is highly complex: Grade 2 Braille, the standard for longer text, relies heavily on contractions, which makes it 50% shorter. This inevitably leads to ambiguity, where exact meaning depends on context and up to five consecutive rules to be followed for a single word. So far, even the best existing software requires additional input by human experts. This makes it not accessible for publishers.

Dot Mini is the first device that can access any digital text content independently.

Because the innovative Dot Translation Engine based on AI applies Machine Learning to understand context and translate at near-human accuracy to Grade 2 Braille, which is on average 50% shorter.

It can It can translate any digital text from a wide range of formats and source – from text to documents, websites and even voice. Dot Mini provides additional audio support, which makes consuming content much faster, effective and enjoyable. All in a device that’s smaller, more lightweight, less power consuming and three times cheaper than conventional devices.

Machine Learning depends largely on having as much training material as possible. That’s why we strategically partner with big content platforms like Rakuten Kobo (global) and Yes24 (market leader in Japan) to use their huge content libraries, to continuously improve the Dot Translation Engine. The distribution strategy follows the ‘reverse innovation’ principle: By introducing the product to emerging markets like India and Africa first and then developing it further, we make sure to meet the requirements and needs of those who need it most, then taking them along with further development.

Dot Mini combines innovative hardware with the innovative Dot Translation Engine.

The 16 Cell Active Braille Display is built with the innovative (70 patents) Dot actuator technology, uniquely based on magnetism, which reduces size, weight, power consumption and price by up to ten times.

Full audio support with speaker, headphones and microphone allows multisensory experiences. Intuitive control elements make interactive applications possible.

The Dot Translation Engine enhances rule-based translation with AI: Grade 2 Braille translation comes down to understanding the context of the word and finding the shortest accurate contraction.

For accuracy, Dot Translation Engine relies on a character-based word model based on a sequence to sequence neural network, trained with millions of character sequences from most accurate human translations. Then a beam search algorithm looks at the most promising candidates from the first step and determines the shortest accurate translation.

Feedback during rollout of first 1000 units in Kenya and India confirm that Dot Mini is a life-changing device for the visually impaired. 300,000 books are already directly available through partnerships with big content platforms like Rakuten Kobo and Yes24. 50,000 units are pre-ordered for global launch in 2019. The Dot Translation Engine can translate with near-human accuracy, surpassing existing translators and continuously getting better. It has so far translated over 10 million words and is supported by organizations serving millions of visually impaired people worldwide.