An artificial intelligence-based translation tool has been installed on the main website of the City of Kankaanpää, kankaanpaa.fi, which allows the content of the site to now be read in different languages. Translations are being introduced on the website In English ja UkrainianThis reform will improve the accessibility of information for both current residents and those interested in moving to the area and tourists.

The introduction of the translations is part of the Networking to Attract cooperation project managed by Leader Pohjois-Satakunta, in which nine municipalities are developing rural vitality through a variety of measures. The project aims to make the municipalities more attractive to new residents and ensure that residents and visitors can access the information they need as easily as possible.

Artificial intelligence helps – but translations are constantly being developed

The translation work uses an artificial intelligence-based application. This means that some of the translations may contain inaccuracies, but the most important thing is that the message is conveyed. The city's website administrators monitor the quality of the translations and make improvements if necessary in cooperation with the project actors. In addition, the artificial intelligence develops with use and learns to better recognize terms related to the city's services and place names.

Artificial intelligence translates – sometimes it also surprises

While AI is a powerful tool for translation, it can sometimes produce unexpected and amusing results. Place names can take on creative new forms as AI tries to adapt them to different languages, and certain service names can take on completely different meanings. For example, swimming pool may become swimming castle or come from the city hall municipal palace. Even people's names can get imaginative translations if AI interprets them as ordinary words. While such mistakes can be funny, they are also part of the AI's learning process – and that's why collaborative development is important.

The website search function has also been developed

In addition to the translation tool that came with the project collaboration, the city will also develop the accessibility of the main website in other ways this year. The search function has been improved and is now more prominently located on the home page. The function now also takes into account spelling errors and suggests the most popular pages and articles. Other changes to the home page layout will be made later this year, such as highlighting upcoming events more prominently, similar to news articles.