Espoo’s AI translation experiment has ended

The experiment allowed new residents to read and listen to HelloEspoo.fi content in different languages. The website is intended particularly for those who have recently moved here.

You can continue to use the HelloEspoo.fi website in three languages, even though the additional AI-generated translations were removed from the site at the end of August.

AI translations were introduced to improve access to information, support independent use of city services, and make integration easier by providing up-to-date information in residents’ own languages. 

“This was an important learning journey for us. AI translations made it possible to provide information in several languages quickly and keep it up to date. The experiment showed that AI can improve access to multilingual information and support residents in their everyday lives. At the same time, we learned how to guide users and build trust. It was also valuable to identify situations where human translation is still needed and how the two approaches can best be combined,” says Project Manager Astrid Puumala‑Thévenet.

AI makes it possible to expand the range of languages flexibly according to needs. Based on the experiment, AI translations are particularly suitable for clear, easy-to-understand content.

During the experiment, HelloEspoo.fi content could be read or listened to through AI translations in Arabic, Albanian, Spanish, Chinese, Persian (Farsi), French, Ukrainian, Russian, Vietnamese and Estonian. The languages were chosen based on a number of factors, such as migration to Espoo and language groups in which English is not widely spoken. The widespread knowledge of major world languages was also taken into account, as many people are familiar with these languages even if they are not native speakers.

During the experiment, workshops were organised where participants with an immigrant background tested the translations and provided feedback on the service. In addition, the quality of the translations was assessed and developed in cooperation with experts and various stakeholders. Feedback was also collected through the Hello Espoo website.

The experiment also attracted interest within the City of Espoo organisation and received attention on social media. It served as an example of how AI can be used in practical services in a controlled way.

“A warm thank you to everyone who participated in the workshops and provided feedback. It was wonderful to see so many people willing to give their time and share their experiences. Thanks to their input, we were able to improve the service and learn what works in practice,” says Project Manager Puumala‑Thévenet.

The data, feedback and experiences collected during the experiment will be used to develop Espoo’s multilingual communication and digital services.

Espoo’s AI experiment was carried out in cooperation with Voice Intuitive.

In addition to having information available online, many people appreciate the option to discuss their concerns in person. Hello Espoo Info is located at the Service Centre in the Iso Omena shopping centre in Matinkylä, and it provides low-threshold advice on everyday life to foreign-language speakers living in Espoo. Help is available in easy Finnish and English. A telephone interpreter is used if necessary.

At the end of 2025, the number of foreign-language residents in Espoo was 84,225, which accounts for 25.9 per cent of the city’s population. Espoo’s foreign-language population consists mainly of working-age people, young people and children. The most common foreign languages spoken in Espoo are Russian, Arabic, English, Estonian and Chinese. 

Astrid Puumala-Thévenet, Development Manager, tel. +358 40 6365490, astrid.puumala@espoo.fi