AI sign language recognition facilitates communication at Games for Persons with Disabilities

A sign language recognition system powered by artificial intelligence (AI) will offer improved convenience for participants in the upcoming 12th National Games for Persons with Disabilities and the 9th National Special Olympic Games of China.

Developed by Voibook, a tech company based in south China's Guangzhou City, the recognition system has been integrated into a service application of the grand sport event, allowing individuals with hearing impairments to understand real-time commentary, ask for venue directions, and access remote sign language translation services with the touch of a button.

"Our technology provides barrier-free communication support for the participating athletes with hearing impairments. We will continue to optimize and update our algorithms, focusing on enhancing the accuracy and response speed of AI recognition," said Voibook founder Shi Chengchuan.

Shi himself is also hearing-impaired. He and his team have developed a sign language translation phone app, sign language translation devices, voice translation watches, and voice translation captioning systems, which are now being used in various public places such as government service centers, hospitals and schools.

"Technological advancements present a tremendous opportunity for people with disabilities. Take me for instance—after losing my hearing in my childhood, I could never have imagined that one day I would be able to communicate with others with virtually no barriers," said Shi.

AI sign language recognition facilitates communication at Games for Persons with Disabilities

AI sign language recognition facilitates communication at Games for Persons with Disabilities

AI sign language recognition facilitates communication at Games for Persons with Disabilities

A pair of giant pandas, Ping Ping and Fu Shuang, departed for Zoo Atlanta in the U.S. from Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport in southwest China's Sichuan Province on a chartered flight at 02:55 Sunday, kicking off their 10-year stay at the zoo.

Before the departure, the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding held a farewell ceremony for the pair.

The male panda, Ping Ping, born on March 17, 2020, is easily recognizable due to its large, dark eye rims. It has a stocky build, moves nimbly, and has demonstrated proficiency in climbing trees, often resting among the branches. The female panda, Fu Shuang, born on October 18, 2020, is characterized by a small tuft of fluffy fur on its head and a full, protruding forehead. With a round appearance, it is quick to react, and very capable of foraging for food.

Two giant pandas set off from Chengdu for 10-year stay at Zoo Atlanta