In the past, technology hasn’t reached the stage where deaf individuals can easily use sign language, resulting in exclusion or mental isolation. This has led to significant pain points for those who rely solely on sign language technology. To address this issue, we introduced Madduru, the founder of Silence Speaks, a platform aimed at bridging the gap between spoken and signed language. Our goal was to create an innovative solution that enables deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals to communicate efficiently without boarding their automated assumption.
### 1. The First Version: Cloud-Based Translation Emerging
Initially, Silence Speaks operated on the cloud, where users could input text, and the system would translate it into sign language. This version took about six months to generate a sign, with an average of five messages per hour. By that point, we were clear that real-time translation on-ion was still farther away, as our team had set high standards for accuracy. However, the software was designed to deliver results faster, gradually nearing the desired timeline.
### 2. The Strong Foundation: Basic Features and Success Stories
Our first version offered tailored features, including built-in captioning for deaf users who were vibration-baring or new to sign language. We also had ASMR recognition for repetitive linguistic cues, further enhancing the user experience. Over time, silence speaks exceeded expectations, landing 95% of requests resolved with high quality and timeliness. We eventually secured a major investment in the company, solidifying its foundation and paving the way for future innovations.
### 3. Transport for London Everything Belongs to Us
The next phase of Silence Speaks incorporated Transport for London, the agency responsible for 250 subway platforms, and theMetro bus lines in the capital. We worked with Transport to roll out the company’s AI-powered sign language avatar, making public transport more accessible and integrated with sign language. This approach not only enhances train accessibility but also empowers individuals to reach out with signed messages via QR codes. Additionally, we developed a personalized avatar creation tool for future customers, ensuring no one was left behind.
### 4. The Future Is Flawless: Innovation and Expansion
As Silence Speaks continued its journey, Chloe Smith joined as the board president, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in respecting sign language diversity. The company leverages photorealistic or cartoonish characters for personalized avatars, with our single photo offering a unique solution, despite potential limitations in accurately replicating human features. While refining the technology, our focus remains on leveraging existing characters to achieve more, ensuring diversity and inclusivity.
Silence Speaks represents beyond doubt a groundbreaking step in making communication accessible. It exemplifies the utopian vision where every voice is heard and understood, no matter their speech or mode of expression.
