AI translation tool went haywire during a live client meeting yesterday

I was on a Zoom call with a Japanese manufacturer outside Osaka last week, pitching a new assembly process. Ran their technical specs through a popular AI translator to prep the slides. It translated "safety cutoff switch" as "emergency dessert button" and I didn't catch it until the client pointed it out with a straight face. Had to spend the next 10 minutes apologizing and explaining the glitch. Has anyone else had an AI tool completely mangle something critical at the worst possible moment?

2 comments

2 Comments

kelly_coleman611mo ago

Emergency dessert button" is hilarious and terrifying at the same time lol. Did they at least crack a smile after you explained it, or were they just staring at you the whole time?

oliver5231mo ago

Kelly I've TOTALLY been there with that customer stare. It's that blank look like you just spoke a foreign language and they're waiting for the punchline. I bet they were just processing the absurdity of having a literal dessert emergency button because honestly who wouldn't want one of those in their house? At least you got the reaction you were hoping for even if it took a second to land. Some people just need a minute to appreciate the brilliance of a panic button for cake emergencies.