SignGemma: New Hope for the Deaf
Google DeepMind’s new AI, SignGemma, turns sign language into spoken text in real time. It’s a big step for the Deaf community worldwide.
Google DeepMind has developed a new tool called SignGemma. This smart tool can understand American Sign Language (ASL) and convert it into spoken text. It works by carefully observing hand movements and facial expressions to understand what the person is trying to say. This can make it easier for Deaf people to communicate with hearing people in real time.
At present, SignGemma is still under testing and not yet available for public use. However, once it is fully ready, it will be open for people and developers to try, use, and improve. This kind of technology can help reduce communication gaps and make daily life easier for the Deaf community.
There are around 430 million Deaf people in the world who use sign language. Tools like SignGemma can be very helpful in places like schools, hospitals, offices, and public spaces where clear communication is important. In India alone, about 70 million people use Indian Sign Language (ISL). But right now, SignGemma only works with ASL. For it to be useful in India, it needs to learn ISL and understand its different regional styles. India also needs more trained sign language interpreters and digital support to use this technology effectively.
If SignGemma learns Indian Sign Language, it could bring a big change in the lives of Deaf people in India. It can make it easier for them to study, work, and interact with others without always needing a human interpreter.
There is also another project called SignGPT, which is different from SignGemma. SignGPT is being made by the University of Surrey and other research teams. It can turn spoken words into sign language videos and also convert sign language videos back into speech. However, this project is still in the research stage and will take more years to be ready.
SignGemma is focused on understanding sign language in real time, while SignGPT works on creating lifelike sign language videos. Both tools are useful in different ways and can help make the world more inclusive for Deaf people.
