Tokyo Airport to Test Translating Megaphone For Announcements in 4 Languages [Watch]
An airport in Tokyo will test out a multi-language megaphone for making announcements. The special megaphone will make announcements first in Japanese and then repeat them in English, Chinese and Korean.
The Narita International Airport in Tokyo will be testing out the Megaphoneyaku, which will allow more airport customers to understand important airport announcements, Rocket News 24 reports.
The Megaphoneyaku -- yaku means "translation" -- has the same level of ability to translate languages as that of current smartphone apps, so it might not be completely accurate initially. Hopefully, the airport can implement the system to focus on words frequently in airports in order to translate properly between the few languages offered.
Panasonic developed the Megaphoneyaku after floods in 2014 made it difficult for airport staff to communicate with stranded foreign travelers, when workers were trying to distribute sleeping bags and drinking water.
In a demonstration of the new megaphone device, a worker announces, "The bus is coming." The Megaphoneyaku increased the volume, before repeating the phrase in Chinese, English and Korean.
Translation technology is important for travelers at airports. Important announcements regarding flight delays, gate changes, boarding announcements and other information often needs to be relayed to passengers who may not speak the local dialect. It is helpful if this information is available in mutiple languages so that everyone can understand.
The Megaphoneyaku looks similar to a traditional megaphone, except for the built-in screen on the top of the megaphone.
The success of the Megaphoneyaku will depend on its accuracy. If the device has trouble translating basic phrases, it will not succeed and likely not be produced on a mass scale. If foreign passengers understand the megaphone, it could be a big success, and other airports may start using it as well.
Check out the video of the worker demonstrating the Megaphoneyaku in the video below.
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