Multilingual AI assistant to help Open golf fans in Southport

An AI assistant who can speak 99 languages has been created to welcome visitors to The Open golf championship in Southport this summer. Known as Jimmy, the digital avatar at the town's station will provide multilingual information on transport, local events and attractions. The assistance, which can also be accessed on a smart phone via a QR code, has been created by Liverpool-based AI firm Sum Vivas. Its chief executive Rob Sims said: "It just shows how home-grown innovation can enhance tourism, improve accessibility, and make the region an even more welcoming destination for visitors from all over the world." More than 200,000 spectators are expected to attend the annual tournament at Royal Birkdale between 12 and 19 July. The development of "Jimmy" for the 154th Open has been supported by the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority. Lorna Rogers, director of transformation and digital at the organisation, said: "By embracing responsible, human‑centred AI, we're setting a benchmark for how regions can use technology to be more inclusive, more responsive and more welcoming." Listen to the best of BBC Radio Merseyside on Sounds and follow BBC Merseyside on Facebook, X, and Instagr