RWS at LocWorld52: Bridging gaps with AI, accessibility and the human touch

Our true highlights were our three dedicated sessions, each addressing a key topic in localization: 

• Accessibility in 2025: Are you ready?: RWS Solutions Consultant, Amanda Alvarado, and Software Accessibility Expert, Anna Rita de Bonis, took the stage alongside Harshil Ved, Technical Program Manager for Accessibility, Inclusion, and AI Innovation at Google and Aki Hayashi, Senior Manager, Globalization Program Management at Dell, for a panel discussion on the importance of accessibility in localization, focusing on the upcoming European Accessibility Act. 
• Smart Insights: Simplifying project management (Process Innovation Challenge Finals): Shirley Coady, RWS’s Director of Product Management, captivated the audience with a demo exploring Smart Insight capabilities. This innovative AI-powered tool streamlines project management tasks through natural language queries. 
• Beyond the hype: A pragmatic approach to AI translation: Andrew Thomas, RWS’s VP of Marketing for Linguistic AI, delivered a compelling presentation on the responsible implementation of AI in translation, emphasizing the value of human expertise and RWS's Genuine Intelligence approach. 

Let's delve deeper into these sessions and uncover the key takeaways.

The accessibility panel, featuring RWS experts and industry leaders, sparked a lively discussion about the growing importance of accessibility in localization. 

The panel emphasized that accessibility is not merely a compliance issue; it's about creating inclusive experiences that enable everyone, regardless of ability, to access and engage with content. With the European Accessibility Act approaching, businesses need to prioritize accessibility in their localization strategies. 

The discussion highlighted the importance of designing content with accessibility in mind from the outset, including factors like alternative text for images, keyboard navigation, and closed captions for videos.

Shirley Coady introduced Smart Insights, a game-changing tool designed to simplify the lives of project managers. She explained how project managers often juggle numerous tasks daily. Smart Insights allows them to access the information they need quickly and efficiently, using natural language queries. 

For instance, a project manager can simply ask their translation management system, "What tasks does [linguist name] have due this week?" and receive an instant answer. No more sifting through spreadsheets or complex menus. 

This session generated significant buzz among attendees, who recognized the potential of Smart Insights to streamline workflows and improve decision-making.

Andrew Thomas's presentation on AI in translation provided a realistic perspective amidst the excitement surrounding generative AI. He acknowledged the pressure on businesses to adopt AI but cautioned against rushing into implementation without a clear strategy. 

"At RWS, we believe in the power of Genuine Intelligence – a harmonious blend of human expertise and AI capabilities," Thomas explained. "This approach allows us to navigate the complexities of language and culture, ensuring that translations are not only accurate but also resonate with global audiences." 

Thomas went on to highlight the importance of responsible AI implementation, emphasizing the need for human oversight to ensure quality and ethical considerations.

While our RWS experts were busy sharing insights, we were also actively listening and learning about the key trends shaping discussions at LocWorld52: 

• The rise of AI: AI was undeniably a dominant theme at LocWorld52. Conversations extended beyond the hype, delving into the practical applications of AI in localization. Attendees were particularly interested in how AI can automate repetitive tasks, improve translation quality, and personalize content for global audiences. There was also a strong focus on the ethical implications of AI, with discussions around bias, data privacy, and the responsible use of this technology. 
• The importance of inclusivity: Accessibility took center stage, reflecting a growing awareness of the need to create content that is accessible to everyone, regardless of their abilities. The upcoming European Accessibility Act was a key talking point, with experts emphasizing the importance of designing content with accessibility in mind from the outset. Discussions also explored how AI can be used to improve accessibility, such as generating alternative text for images and captions for videos. 
• The evolving role of the linguist: The rise of AI has naturally led to questions about the future of human translators. At LocWorld52, the consensus was that while AI can automate certain tasks, human expertise remains essential for tasks requiring cultural nuance, creativity, and critical thinking. Discussions focused on how linguists can adapt to this changing landscape by developing new skills, such as post-editing machine translation output and specializing in specific content domains. 
• The need for global content strategies: To thrive in our increasingly globalized world, businesses need to think beyond simple translation and develop comprehensive global content strategies. This involves understanding cultural nuances, adapting content to local markets, and creating personalized experiences for global audiences. LocWorld52 highlighted the importance of collaboration between different teams, including marketing, product development, and localization, to ensure a cohesive and effective global content strategy.

RWS's presence at LocWorld52 was more than just showcasing our solutions; it was about joining the localization community and contributing to the ongoing conversation about the future of our industry. As Andrew Thomas, our VP of Marketing for Linguistic AI, emphasized: "We have to use the right tool for the job." 

By actively participating in events like LocWorld52, RWS reaffirms our commitment to providing those "right tools" – a powerful blend of human expertise, innovative technology, and collaborative partnerships – to help our clients unlock their global potential.