Russia to Develop AI for Sign Language Translation
Researchers will work with the scientific community to improve translation accuracy for deaf and hard-of-hearing people.
Russia plans to develop an artificial intelligence system capable of translating sign language, the Russian Academy of Sciences said. The academy will join an initiative led by the All-Russian Society of the Deaf. Linguists are expected to define the most accurate gestures to be used in communication with deaf and hard-of-hearing people. The society’s science department includes specialists from various universities and the academy, who will oversee the substantive part of the project. The effort will also involve universities that train sign language interpreters.
An AI Secretary
Existing AI tools for the deaf are currently being tested, but many still produce significant errors. The new AI service is intended to help deaf and hard-of-hearing people communicate without limitations.
Several AI-based solutions are already in active use in Russia. One example is a smart secretary integrated into an online banking service. It converts audio messages into text and alerts operators if a client has hearing-related needs. Experts describe such developments as an important step toward creating a unified digital environment.
