# Real-Time Translating Chairs KLM's Connecting Seats Translate Language in Real-Time By Ell Smith | Published 2018-01-08 | World Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/connecting-seats References: [psfk](https://www.psfk.com/2018/01/klm-seats-translate-languages-real-time-conversation.html) & [connectingseats.klm](https://connectingseats.klm.com/) The high volume of both domestic and international travelers make airports a cultural hub that's brimming with the potential for human connection, but busy schedules and language barriers make it hard for individuals to meet, which is why the Dutch airline, [KLM](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/flying-blue) introduced 'Connecting Seats.' Individuals open to meeting someone new were invited to sit in one of these seats, which used [Google](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/google-ar-glasses) Cloud Speech to [translate conversations, in real time](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/teameet). This translating system can recognize over 110 languages, breaking down the communication barriers, and reminding passengers to take a moment to connect with those around them. This stunt challenges the notion that technology distances us, as it demonstrates the powerful relationship between technology and communication. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.3/10 - Popularity: 33% | Activity: 89% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [World](https://www.trendhunter.com/world) > [Travel](https://www.trendhunter.com/travel) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Real-time Translating Technology:** Expanding the use of real-time translation technology beyond airports and into hospitality, healthcare, and customer service industries. - **Interactive Seating:** Introducing Interactive seating to commercial and public spaces to facilitate meaningful connections among people from diverse backgrounds. - **Language Barrier Solutions:** Developing innovative solutions to overcome language barriers in various industries, from education to transportation to retail. ### Where This Applies - **Airline:** Airline industry adopting real-time translation technology for enhanced passenger experience and engagement. - **Hospitality:** Hospitality industry introducing interactive seating to promote social interactions and cultural exchange among guests. - **Customer Service:** Customer service industry incorporating language translation tools to better serve customers from diverse backgrounds and languages. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Real-Time Video Call Translations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/byrdhouse.md) - [Social Connection Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/is-this-seat-taken-campaign.md) - [Event Translation Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/waverly-labs-audience.md) - [Generative AI Interpreter Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-next-big-thing-is-you.md) - [Multilingual Communication Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/x1-ai-interpreter-hub.md) - [Inclusivity-Enhancing Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/language-barriers.md) - [Autonomous Airport Mobility Chairs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/whill-is.md) - [Two-Sided Translation Displays](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/waverly-labs-subtitles.md) - [Inclusive Mental Health Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/saved-in-translation.md)