An intelligent platform capable of translating between speech, text, and sign language in real time has been developed in Uzbekistan. The goal of this project is to improve access for people with hearing or speech impairments to educational materials, information, and various digital services.
The platform was created by the Center for Information Technologies at the National Agency for Social Protection, as reported by the 'Uzbekistan 24' television channel. Work on the Surdo AI project began last year with the active participation of students and teachers from specialized educational institutions, who helped form the sign language database.
Currently, the system includes translations for over a thousand words. Additionally, the mobile application features a learning module divided into thematic blocks, allowing users to practice and study sign language.
A key feature of Surdo AI is its support for Russian and Uzbek languages. Dilshoda Dadamukhamedova, an employee of the Center for Information Technologies, stated that the platform provides real-time speech and text translation, which is predicted to significantly expand its use in daily communication.
The developers also ensured the integration of Surdo AI with the Google Chrome browser via a special plugin. This tool allows users to translate the content of web pages while viewing them, eliminating the need to switch to a separate application.
It is emphasized that for the hard of hearing, sign language is often a more natural and understandable way to receive information compared to reading printed text, making such technologies useful for increasing the accessibility of digital content.
Further improvements to both the platform and the browser extension are planned. Developers hope that Surdo AI will help make news, textbooks, and other internet content more accessible to people with hearing impairments.
In the context of social support, a unified regulation for assisting citizens without a permanent place of residence was previously approved in Uzbekistan. These individuals will be provided with temporary accommodation, medical and social support, assistance with document restoration, job and relative searches, and in some cases, housing in special institutions. The stay period can reach twenty days with the possibility of extension.