The project involves creating a video avatar. It mimics sign language. The avatar helps the sign language community in everyday life by initially translating transportation announcements, news, and museum exhibit descriptions.
Many deaf people use Estonian sign language. For them, written Estonian is like a foreign language. Therefore, auditory information alone is not enough. Translations from text to sign language are also needed.
Sirle Papp, the chairwoman of the Estonian Association of the Deaf, said that this project is very necessary. She said that the sign language robot will help bring information closer to people. For example, in public places, shops, and bus stops. This allows deaf people to access more information independently.
Professor Mark Fišel from the University of Tartu said that the project is a major scientific challenge. He believes that an AI-powered robot will create a new scientific direction in Estonia.
Kadri Vare, the director of the Estonian Language Institute, said that their mission is to support the development of Estonian language and sign language in the digital age. She talked about equal opportunities and accessibility.
During the project, the results will be tested in cooperation with the deaf community. This ensures that the solution is useful and easy to use. The team hopes that the project will lead to a new scientific field.
The project is being carried out by the Estonian Language Institute in cooperation with the University of Tartu's Institute of Computer Science and technology companies STACC and Texta.