Summary
ScotRail plans to replace an AI-generated voice, named "Iona," used for train announcements after criticism from a professional voiceover artist, Gayanne Potter. Potter, whose voice was used to train the AI, expressed concerns about its use and lack of consent, prompting ScotRail to seek an alternative. The rail operator is working with the technology provider ReadSpeaker to find a new voice solution.
Key Facts
- ScotRail is replacing the AI voice system named "Iona" on its trains.
- Gayanne Potter, a voiceover artist, said her recorded voice was used without consent to create the AI voice.
- The AI voice has faced public criticism for sounding "weird" and "unnatural."
- ScotRail introduced the AI voice in May, provided by ReadSpeaker, a Swedish tech company.
- Transport Scotland confirmed the change after issues were raised with ministers.
- The future replacement could be another AI voice or recordings from a human voice artist.
- ReadSpeaker's technology uses AI to mimic voices based on recordings.
- Trade union Equity voiced concerns about AI adoption in creative industries.
