In a transformative endeavor fueled by a $1.5 million grant and unwavering support from Google.org, the University of Surrey embarks on a pioneering journey to revolutionize digital accessibility for the deaf community. Their mission? To develop cutting-edge artificial intelligence research that will pave the way for instantaneous Sign Language translation. This groundbreaking project will usher in an era where key websites are translated into Sign Language, a monumental stride towards enhancing digital inclusion for the 600,000 deaf individuals in the United States and the United Kingdom for whom Sign Language stands as their first language.
The Language Barrier
The challenges faced by the deaf community are substantial. Of the seven million profoundly deaf people worldwide whose primary mode of communication is sign language, a staggering 80% grapple with an acute language barrier. The spoken languages prevalent in their respective countries often elude their grasp. Learning a language one cannot hear is an endeavor fraught with extraordinary complexity and challenges.
Bridging the Divide
Armed with the potential of generative artificial intelligence, the University of Surrey, in collaboration with its spin-out company Signapse, aspires to break down the barriers that have long hindered communication for the deaf. Their ambitious vision entails the automatic translation of both online and offline text into real-time, photo-realistic sign language videos. This revolutionary approach promises to render swift and cost-effective translation services readily available to the deaf community.
A Visionary Perspective
Professor Richard Bowden, a distinguished authority in computer vision and machine learning at the University of Surrey, sheds light on the critical importance of this endeavor. He asserts, “The lack of digital accessibility and Sign Language translators makes it difficult for deaf people to navigate everyday information and activities, including education, healthcare, employment, and transportation.” With the generous funding from Google.org, the University aims to collaborate with Signapse in a concerted effort to bolster digital inclusion. The ripple effects of this initiative are poised to touch the lives of the entire deaf community.
Google.org’s Commitment to Global Progress
Google.org’s AI for the Global Goals Impact Challenge stands as a testament to Google’s unwavering commitment to advancing the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. Within this expansive philanthropic endeavor, the University of Surrey finds itself among a select group of 15 organizations, each receiving support from a $25 million fund dedicated to projects that leverage AI to expedite progress toward these global objectives.
A Collaborative Approach
Importantly, the hallmark of this initiative is its commitment to openness and collaboration. All 15 projects, including the University of Surrey’s venture, will be open-sourced. This deliberate choice ensures that the collective efforts and innovations can serve as a foundation upon which other organizations can build.
James Manyika, Google’s Senior Vice President of Research, Technology, and society, expresses the overarching vision of this initiative, stating, “Each of the 15 selected organizations share our vision for using AI to accelerate progress on the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, and each organization brings their own expertise to help move the needle.” The boundless possibilities of harnessing AI to address societal challenges are an inspiration, and the impact these projects will collectively have over the next three years is a source of excitement and anticipation.
The University of Surrey’s Commitment
The University of Surrey’s Institute for People-Centred AI stands at the forefront of this transformative endeavor. Drawing upon over three decades of technical excellence in the realm of machine learning, particularly within the Centre for Vision, Speech, and Signal Processing (CVSSP), the Institute seeks to address the multifaceted dimensions of AI’s future. Their approach transcends mere technical prowess, delving into the ethical, governance, and societal questions that will ultimately determine whether AI truly becomes people-centered.
A Catalyst for Positive Change
Google.org’s generous funding is not merely an investment in one institution’s research but a catalyst for profound societal change. It contributes to “The Future Says Surrey,” the University’s ambitious philanthropic campaign. This campaign aims to raise £60 million within a three-year span, empowering the University to continue making substantial contributions to society and cementing its position as a leading research and educational institution within the United Kingdom.
Conclusion
The University of Surrey’s collaboration with Google.org exemplifies the remarkable potential of artificial intelligence to surmount barriers that have long impeded communication and digital accessibility for the deaf community. This venture stands as a beacon of hope, illuminating a path toward a more inclusive digital landscape where Sign Language is not merely a mode of communication but a bridge that connects the world for the deaf and hard of hearing.
