SZ expands AI translation devices for communication

Video and photos by Lin Songtao

Shenzhen is enhancing its global accessibility by deploying AI-powered translation devices across key cultural and tourism venues.The initiative, led by the city’s culture, media, tourism, and sports bureau, aims to improve services for international visitors and foreign residents, integrating advanced AI technology into public spaces.

As of March 5, a total of 31 AI translation devices have been deployed at seven major locations, including Shenzhen Library, Shenzhen Concert Hall, Shenzhen Museum of Contemporary Art and Urban Planning, Shenzhen Museum, Splendid China · China Folk Culture Villages, China Printmaking Museum in Guanlan, Longhua, and Crowne Plaza Shenzhen Futian. To ensure smooth adoption, venue staff members have undergone training on how to use the devices effectively.

The AI-powered translation tool is roughly the size of a business card.

The AI-powered translation tool, roughly the size of a business card, offers real-time translation in more than 130 languages, leveraging leading domestic AI models. It connects to smartphones via Bluetooth, allowing users to input text or voice for instant and accurate translations.
At major cultural venues such as Shenzhen Library, Shenzhen Concert Hall, and Shenzhen Museum, the technology enables international visitors to access multilingual exhibit descriptions, enhancing their understanding of Chinese history and culture. The system supports English, French, German, Japanese, Korean, and several lesser-spoken languages, further improving the overall visitor experience.

Liu Jianbo, director of the Social Education Department at Shenzhen Museum, highlighted the device’s benefits: “The AI-powered business card consolidates museum information, allowing visitors to access it instantly by tapping their phones. This not only promotes the museum but also enhances international communication through real-time translation.”

Beyond cultural sites, hotels across Shenzhen are integrating the AI translation devices to facilitate smoother interactions between foreign guests and staff. From travel recommendations and restaurant reservations to room service requests, the technology is streamlining communication, improving service efficiency, and enhancing guest satisfaction.
The devices are also proving valuable at major tourist attractions such as Splendid China Folk · China Folk Culture Villages, where they provide instant access to historical and cultural information, eliminating language barriers for foreign visitors.
Additionally, Shenzhen Airport has put these AI-powered devices in place at multiple information service points throughout its terminal.

“The AI device is powered by large AI models. Compared to traditional translation devices, it offers greater accuracy, lower latency, and a more natural conversation flow,” said Wu Jing, manager of the Service Department at Shenzhen Airport.

According to Li Funing, who’s responsible for customer service at Jiatui Technology Co. Ltd., the AI translation device’s developer, the device doubles as a digital business card. “It’s more than just a translator — it also allows users to store and share contact information. It integrates seamlessly with popular social media platforms, supporting cross-platform communication with real-time translation.”
The rollout of AI translation devices aligns with Shenzhen’s broader efforts to accommodate a growing influx of international visitors. In 2024, the city recorded 31.61 million inbound tourists, a 56.9% year-on-year increase, while international tourism revenue soared to US$7.319 billion — up 93.2% from the previous year. Both figures ranked first in Guangdong Province and nationwide.
Source：ShenzhenDaily