Generating images, summarizing documents, making health consultations or writing programming code are some of the most common applications of artificial intelligence, which help in the daily lives of thousands of individuals on a personal and professional level. And some of these applications are being carried out within the framework of social projects that demonstrate that technology is much more than code and algorithms and that it is really contributing to improving people’s lives.

This is what Google wanted to defend, sharing some examples of how its AI, Gemini, is allowing barriers to be broken down and promoting accessibility, or preserving individual and collective memory. On its official blog in Spain, the technology company has highlighted three cases in which it ensures that its tool is generating real social impact.

Artificial intelligence for autonomy

One of the stories that Google has shared is that of Jonatan Armengol, blind journalist and food critic, activist for accessibility and recent father. As reflected in the video shared by the company, he uses Calo, his guide dog, to face many of the challenges posed by the visual barriers of the physical environment, and also external support to carry out certain tasks.

However, recently, Armengol also relies on Gemini Live, Google’s real-time voice conversation experience, which allows for natural and fluid dialogues with artificial intelligence. Thanks to your phone’s camera and speaker, and the capabilities of Gemini, you can boost your autonomy.

For example, using simple voice commands, you can do simple, everyday things like identify and compare the pumping date on bags of breast milk for your child. “Gemini interprets your need in context, allowing you to make quick decisions and experience parenthood with greater independence.“, they explain from the company.

AI in therapy against Alzheimer’s

As shared by Google, its artificial intelligence is also being applied in reminiscence therapy sessions. The Fundació Catalunya La Pedrera, which promotes projects that have a positive impact on people’s quality of life, is using Gemini in its “Memory Strengthening” program, with which it accompanies people in the initial stages of Alzheimer’s disease.

Its objective is to improve the quality of life and emotional well-being of patients, helping them maintain their abilities and autonomy for as long as possible. And along these lines, it has established a collaboration with the research and design studio Domestic Data Streamers to develop the “Synthetic Memories” initiative.

Through this, they help people with early Alzheimer’s, like Manel, keep their memories and experiences alive. Aided by artificial intelligence, they create images of latent memories that have not been documented and, in this way, preserve personal legacy and alleviate the frustration that progressive memory loss can cause.

In the video created by the company, you can see how, based on oral descriptions and supported by technology, the team reconstructs visual representations of Manel’s past. He validates them on a digital screen before printing them, making the photographs a valuable resource for his cognitive and emotional stimulation sessions. In this case, technology allows patients to maintain their identity, and contributes positively to their emotional well-being.

Preserve memory

The application of AI to memory preservation also articulates the third case shared by Google to highlight the positive social impact that technology can have. This is the project “Your story really matters”, promoted by the Lo que really matters Foundation, which promotes universal human values ​​through life stories that aim to help people become better people.

The initiative connects young volunteers with older people in an intergenerational dialogue aimed at immortalizing their experiences in books. In this case, Google has focused on the relationship between Cristina and Maria, and how Gemini has facilitated the process of preparing the document.

As reported by the company, Cristina takes advantage of Gemini chat and deep investigation functionalities to organize, investigate and shape Maria’s testimony. “AI helps volunteers optimize their documentation work so they can focus on what matters most: connecting with people and sharing messages that change perspectives”, they explain.