Vienna’s public transport operator, Wiener Linien, has introduced a new sign language avatar designed to give real-time updates about travel disruptions.
Called Iris, the animated character is currently being tested on the web version of the Wien Mobil platform. According to Wiener Linien, it is the first avatar of its kind in the world.
The project aims to make transport information more accessible to the deaf community. If the trial is successful, the avatar will also be added to the Wien Mobil app.
In Austria, around 10,000 people consider sign language their first language. Work on the project began in 2021, with Wiener Linien working alongside Equalizent, a Vienna-based organisation that develops education programmes for deaf people.
“Our aim is to provide all passengers, regardless of their individual needs, with easy access to information,” said Petra Hums, Managing Director of Wiener Linien for Commercial Affairs. “For deaf people who rely on their mother tongue, this initiative offers genuine relief and fair access to crucial real-time updates in public transport operations.”
