Why it matters:
Automated systems for generating audio announcements are increasingly being adopted in various industries, including public transportation and major events. However, this technology excludes 16,000 deaf people in Australia, who cannot hear the announcements. Even when information is provided in written English many deaf people struggle to process it, because their primary language is Australian Sign Language (Auslan).
Poor access to information is a significant barrier to Deaf people’s use of public services. Building technology solutions that are accessible to all is increasingly becoming an expectation for the transportation and major events sectors.
Project Overview:
The Auslan Assist project aims to develop an automated public announcements system that generates real-time
messages in Auslan via a digital avatar. The end goal is a two-way translation system that would also allow Auslan users to sign to information screens and receive an automatic response in Auslan.
When developing Auslan Assist we want to ensure we create a technology that meets real needs Deaf people have and will be accepted by the Auslan community. We do this through participatory design practices and community involvement. We employ native Auslan signers to record all avatar animations using motion capture, and our Deaf team member brings crucial insights from the Deaf perspective and provides quality control.
Check out Auslan Assist Flyer for more information.
Funding/Grants:
- IEF Grant 2024 QUT Excolo.
- The project has received funding from Qvest Australia and in-kind support from Sydney Trains
Project Team:
Chief Investigators:
Dr Maria Zelenskaya, QUT, School of Creative Arts
Dr Jessica Korte, QUT, School of Computer Science
Dr Simon Denman, QUT, School of Electrical Engineering and Robotics
Other Team members:
Dr Harshala Gammulle, QUT, School of Electrical Engineering and Robotics
Ms Holli Evans, QUT, Business Development
Ms Julie Lyons, QUT, Auslan consultant
External Partners:
- Sydney Trains, Charles Chan, https://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/
- Qvest Australia, Mark Lownds, https://www.qvest.com/en/ott
