🧠 Real-Time Bidirectional Sign Language Translation with Generative AI

Bridging Communication Between Deaf Signers and Hearing Users

This AI-powered pipeline supports two-way, real-time communication between Deaf signers and hearing or oral Deaf individuals, translating between sign language and speech or text.

📡 By combining computer vision, deep learning, and generative AI, we can build inclusive communication tools when applied ethically and responsibly.

🔁 How the Pipeline Works

🔹 Path 1: Deaf Signer → Hearing/Oral Deaf Receiver

1. Signer uses BSL or another sign language

2. Hand/Body detection (e.g. OpenPose, MediaPipe) tracks gestures

3. Sign Language Recognition using CNNs, LSTMs, or Transformers

4. Output: Speech or text for the recipient

   
   

🔸 Path 2: Hearing/Oral Deaf User → Deaf Signer

1. Input: Speech or text

2. Processing via ASR (Automatic Speech Recognition) or text parsers

3. Generative Models produce motion data for signs

4. Output: AI Avatar signs the message in real-time

   
   

📌 Final Output

• Deaf user receives: Real-time AI avatar signing

• Hearing/oral Deaf user receives: Speech or text

• 
  

💬 Use Cases

• Live accessibility in meetings, services, and public spaces

• Assistive tools for apps, banking, ATW claims, or customer support

• Inclusive digital workflows in business and education

• 
  

⚠️ A Word of Caution

While avatars can be useful, especially in routine contexts, they must never replace qualified human interpreters in:

• Justice

• Healthcare

• Education

• 
  

These domains require real empathy, cultural nuance, and context, which AI alone cannot deliver.

Let’s build AI that respects human dignity, Deaf language, and boundaries.

🧵 I welcome thoughts, especially from Deaf users, designers, and AI researchers.

#SignLanguageAI #DeafInclusion #Accessibility #EthicalAI #HumanCenteredDesign #GenerativeAI #InclusiveTech #AssistiveTechnology