At ARSAD 2025—the Advanced Research Seminar on Audio Description, held biennially by Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB)—the ALFIE project took centre stage in an interactive workshop focused on the dynamic relationship between artificial intelligence (AI) and audio description (AD). This year’s edition was a special milestone, marking the 10th anniversary of ARSAD, and drew a record 134 participants from all over the world, from Australia to Barcelona.

Representing ALFIE, Sarah McDonagh, Chiara Gunella, and Pilar Orero from UAB facilitated a lively session that invited attendees to explore how AI is impacting the creation, delivery, and quality of audio description. The workshop format encouraged critical engagement, pushing participants to reflect on the challenges and opportunities AI presents in the field of media accessibility.

A Debate on AI: Enhancing or Hindering Audio Description?

Participants from a broad range of backgrounds—including researchers, industry professionals, trainers, trainees, users, practitioners, policy makers, regulators, broadcasters, social activists, and cultural managers—took part in a friendly “battle” of ideas. The goal? To evaluate AI’s role in shaping the future of audio description.

On one side, AI was championed as a tool that enhances productivity, increases access to AD, and reduces human bias. On the other hand, concerns were raised about job displacement, amplification of algorithmic bias, and potential declines in quality and nuance when human creativity is sidelined by technology.

Gathering Insights for ALFIE’s Mission

A key aim of the session was to gather expert user requirements for the ALFIE project, specifically regarding AI’s influence on employment, technological development, quality assurance, and production processes in the AD sector.

The insights gathered will help shape ALFIE’s ongoing efforts to ensure that AI serves as a supportive force—one that complements human expertise while maintaining the integrity, accessibility, and inclusivity of audio description.

Stay connected with ALFIE as we continue to explore innovative, ethical, and user-centered applications of AI in the world of accessible media.