Mitsubishi has introduced a lift or an elevator that incorporates IVR technology for wheelchair users and the blind. The new lift features an improved user interface that is ideal for the blind and disabled as they can use it without pressing a button.

With the new IVR technology users will be able to automatically initiate a voice-controlled interface when he or she enters the lift. This means that a blind person can choose his or her floor through voice recognition, and reach the right floor thanks to a warning signal incorporated in the lift.

Similar service is provided for wheelchair users as the lift recognizes such passengers within a range from its door.

According to Emmet Purcell from Future Tech (News - Alert), this tool builds on Mitsubishi's development of speech recognition systems used in their cars. Many Japanese hospitals and nursing homes are expected to standardize on 'Touchless Call' later this month.

In other company news, Mitsubishi Electric (News - Alert) is going to establish a new company in Changshu, Jiangsu Province, China in April 2011. Known as Mitsubishi Electric Automotive (China) Co., Ltd., the new company will strengthen Mitsubishi’s automotive equipment business across the country.

Read a related IVR industry article at TMCnet, where Susan Campbell asks, how do you select the right voice for your interactive voice response system? Aside from determining the right gender, you also have to find the right dialect, the right pitch and even the right tone to ensure people enjoy listening to that voice. This recent GM Voices (News - Alert) post examined the role of voice in IVR messaging and whether or not a professional is needed to get the job done right.

One example is that of Google’s selection for the voice of Google (News - Alert) Voice. The company selected an employee, Kiki Baessell, as its voice, preferring her over a professional simply because they wanted someone without experience in the field. The Google blog noted that they wanted a pleasant, familiar voice that users would not mind listening to each time they called to check voicemail.