Google Unveils AI Model That Translates Sign Language into Text

Google has introduced SL2T, an artificial intelligence model designed to understand sign language. The model is trained on over 100,000 hours of sign language data spanning more than 50 languages, with a quarter of that dataset comprised of American Sign Language (ASL) communications.

SL2T allows deaf and hard-of-hearing users to interact with their smartphone using their native language. This means they can perform various tasks such as web searches, drafting emails and text messages, editing documents, and more, all without having to type on the keyboard.

The model is initially capable of translating ASL to English text and will be available in Google's Pixel 11 smartphone. It uses a cloud-based server that avoids the need for uploading actual video, making it faster and more secure for users.