Pilot re digitally enabling automated public services in minority languages (Welsh) using distributed text-to-voice

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Annwen is a new type of service that uses voice to interact with isolated or vulnerable citizens and connects them to local government, healthcare and community services. Annwen consists of two elements – the Annwen Companion speaker device and the Annwen Network. Annwen Companion is a new type of smart speaker designed as an inclusive, accessible, always available, digital companion. Combined with the Annwen Network Hub, it provides a service that is always available. Annwen is not dependant on broadband and power as it is a standalone device with its own wireless network.The Welsh Language Act of 1993 placed a duty on public and some private bodies to offer Welsh language. While it is true that many Welsh speakers are bilingual, they have an expectation and a right to be served in the language of their country. In respect of digital services, Welsh speakers are being disenfranchised, and it is Annwen's role to be part of addressing this. Annwen is inclusive as Annwen will make use of the latest developments in speech and natural language processing to deliver a Welsh language companion.The availability of low-cost processor technology means that we can deliver a device at a low cost Annwen Companion speaker with comprehensive performance, capability and excellent market economics. The expertise in particular within our team around industrial design, electronic systems, control platforms, wireless technology and audio hardware to quickly assemble a commercially scalable hardware product design.Annwen Companion devices connect to a wireless Annwen Hub, part of a new low-powered wide area network that allows a virtual mesh to mirror a backup peer to peer mobile mesh network. Annwen Network provides the resilience of connectivity needed for the most rural of isolations, avoiding the need to install broadband to begin using the Annwen service. Annwen offers satellite connectivity as a baseline connecting Hubs and as broadband and 4G become more available in rural areas, Annwen can offload updates and data directly. Annwen Network’s LP-WAN connectivity will always be connected for heartbeat and failover services.The Annwen Network provides a common interface to services by different public providers and agencies, providing co-ordinated citizen experiences for the first time. Annwen will provide standardised tools for providers and agencies to deliver secure citizen services and communications for the health, wellbeing, mobility and inclusion of citizens.For communities Annwen Companion’s content capabilities enables localised media hubs for creating local content, commercial services, relevant communications, localised advertising and the administrative and moderation services.Annwen is built on a platform to deliver at scale created by a team that has the expertise to develop this into a global business, born in Wales. Annwen will expand to additional languages relevant to the communities in Wales as a first priority and then expand out into other global communities not served effectively by incumbent digital assistants. In each case Annwen will not only remove barriers to usability from language but Annwen will also continue to bridge societal digital divides and remove barriers to greater digital inclusion.