AI-powered live translation to be offered at EAU25
The EAU is proud to offer, for the first time at an Annual Congress, live translation for almost every session. Attendees can use their phone to access a live translation into one of 60 languages, either to read along as a closed caption or to listen to a spoken translation. AI technology has matured enough to make this a possibility and should help delegates who might not be fluent in English.
EAU Secretary General Prof. Arnulf Stenzl hailed the development: “This is important because we want all participants, whether they are fluent in English or if they have only basic knowledge, to follow the enormous amount of knowledge presented and also participate in the discussions.”
Delegates can use their phones to scan a QR code when they enter the room, which will direct them to a dedicated webpage. There, they have options to translate the audio feed into their language of choice, either reading along when necessary or using their headset to listen to a live simultaneous translation. Captions can also be generated in English for delegates who are hard of hearing. With the exception of Hands-on Training sessions, every session will offer participants options for live translation, including EAUN25.
Prof. Stenzl: “Technology is constantly improving and this will benefit all participants in Madrid. This demonstrates that we are looking after the interests of all of our delegates.”
The decision to offer the translation service at EAU25 follows a pilot at EMUC24 in Lisbon, where the translation software was adequately able to translate complex scientific terminology. Nevertheless, one caveat is that these translations are intended solely for facilitating communication during the sessions. The precision and accuracy of the AI-generated translations cannot be guaranteed and any errors, omissions or misunderstandings that may arise are not the responsibility of the Scientific Congress Office.