Barcelona launches 201 AI-powered translation devices to improve citizen services

The new devices, now operational in social services, Guardia Urbana, and citizen service offices, translate dozens of languages in real-time.

Portable translation device with a multifunctional screen.
IA

Portable translation device with a multifunctional screen.

The Barcelona City Council has introduced 201 portable simultaneous translation devices powered by artificial intelligence to enhance citizen services in key areas such as Social Services, the Guardia Urbana, and citizen service offices.

These new devices enable real-time translation of dozens of languages, offering voice translation in 82 languages, text translation via keyboard in 96, and photo translation in 112. The council emphasizes that this technology aims to break down language barriers and make public services "more accessible, inclusive, and efficient" in an increasingly diverse city.
The majority of the devices (85%) are already operational, with the rest to be deployed by September. They are used both at police stations and in public spaces, proving particularly useful for assisting foreign nationals and victims of theft, according to Guardia Urbana sources.
The City Council stresses that the use of these translators requires citizen consent and that disseminating conversations is prohibited, with mandatory signage informing about their presence.
This initiative is part of the "ethical, democratic, and sustainable" AI adoption strategy presented by the council last March, which includes tools like the Habot chatbot for providing verified information on housing.