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Tokyo Deaflympics Rolls Out AI Sound Visuals as Shibuya Hub Showcases Inclusive Tech

The city-center exchange hub turns accessibility from concept to hands-on experience for both athletes and visitors.

Overview

  • An AI system called MiruOto is live at table tennis and badminton venues, converting rallies and crowd reactions into on-screen text and icons for real-time viewing.
  • Sensors under tables and surrounding microphones feed vibration and audio data to an algorithm that visualizes play and applause on arena displays.
  • Developers report positive feedback from deaf users and say on-site testing revealed differing information needs by degree of hearing loss, guiding iterative refinements.
  • The Deaflympics Square in Shibuya draws domestic and international visitors with tech exhibits, sports tryouts, and sign-language classes in an open public setting.
  • Organizers created a quieter environment by eliminating audio announcements and reducing background noise, while the MiruTech zone hosts 25 company booths including Tactus’s VibeWear haptic wearables.