Summary: Sorenson announced the acquisition of OmniBridge and Hand Talk to enhance its AI-driven automated sign language translation technologies.
Takeaways:
- Strategic Acquisitions: Sorenson’s purchase of OmniBridge and Hand Talk combines AI-driven machine learning with digital avatars to enable real-time, bi-directional communication between ASL users and English speakers.
- Innovative Solutions: The integration of AI technologies aims to complement the role of interpreters, offering inclusive communication options in scenarios where interpreters are unavailable.
- Global Impact: Sorenson’s partnership with Hand Talk expands its ability to remove communication barriers for the Deaf community, reinforcing its commitment to innovation and accessibility.
Sorenson, a communications solutions provider for the deaf and hard-of-hearing as well as language translation solutions, announced the acquisition of OmniBridge, an Intel internal venture, and Hand Talk, a leader in AI/machine-learning (ML)-based sign language translation, to accelerate innovation in AI-driven automated sign language translation.
“OmniBridge is an AI-driven sign language translation technology that enables bi-directional, real-time conversations between people who use American Sign Language (ASL) and those who speak English, and Hand Talk is a pioneer in using AI and ML to generate automated sign language translations through digital avatars,” says Paget L. Alves, CEO of Sorenson. “Together, these acquisitions provide Sorenson with complementary capabilities and qualified teams to continue our work in building innovative, AI-driven products that fill critical communications gaps for our customers.”
Automated Sign Language Translation
To effectively develop automated sign language translation, it is imperative to understand how to complement the interpreter’s role in serving the Deaf community, the company says. Sorenson is a provider of Video Relay Services (VRS) and a private employer of sign language interpreters.
“As a Deaf person and co-founder of OmniBridge, I know the importance of bridging the gap between signed and spoken language,” says Adam Munder, general manager of OmniBridge. “OmniBridge uses the power of AI-driven machine-learning technology to create more inclusive experiences where conversations can be fully understood regardless of the person’s hearing abilities, particularly in situations or locations where access to interpreters is not possible.”
Harnessing AI for Sign Language Interpreting
New AI language technologies hold the possibility of dramatically impacting how businesses operate, offering opportunities to enhance customer and employee experiences, drive efficiencies and scale in ways previously unimaginable.
“The joining of Hand Talk and Sorenson blends cutting-edge technology and tremendous industry experience,” says Ronaldo Tenorio, CEO of Hand Talk. “Our coming together creates important options in removing communication barriers for the world’s Deaf community.”
Further Reading
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