NYU Abu Dhabi Introduces Innovative AI Tool for Sign Language Interpretation

Post by : Bianca Suleiman

New York University Abu Dhabi has introduced ChatSign, a cutting-edge artificial intelligence platform aimed at facilitating communication for individuals with hearing challenges. This groundbreaking technology translates spoken phrases into sign language in real time, thus connecting Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing individuals with hearing communities more effectively.

Developed by Yi Fang, Associate Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering at NYU Abu Dhabi, and co-founded with CEO Zhifei Maggie Li and Chief Product Officer Zhenhua Li, ChatSign sets a new standard in accessibility.

At present, the AI system provides translation from spoken Arabic and English into sign language instantaneously, accommodating both American Sign Language and Emirati Sign Language for seamless communication in various settings. Plans are also underway for advanced features like sign-to-speech and text-to-sign capabilities.

Fabio Piano, Interim Vice Chancellor of NYU Abu Dhabi, mentioned that ChatSign exemplifies the university’s mission to transform research and creativity into societal benefits.

Targeting multiple sectors such as government, healthcare, education, tourism, and commercial spaces, ChatSign addresses the enduring issue of limited access to affordable sign language interpreters, which are often hard to find when required.

Founder Yi Fang envisions making sign language accessibility as ubiquitous as smartphone communication, emphasizing that the technology aims to foster inclusive dialogue on a larger scale.

Since its inception as a research initiative in 2024, ChatSign has evolved into a commercial prototype with patent protections. Its real-time translation capabilities were successfully tested in a live campus event in late 2025, providing sign language interpretation to over 200 students.

The platform will also feature prominently during NYU Abu Dhabi's 2026 Commencement Ceremony, enabling live speech-to-sign translation for attendees.

ChatSign has already made appearances at significant events such as Make it in the Emirates, Dubai AI Week, and AccessAbilities Expo, and has reached the semi-finals of the GITEX Expand North Star competition.

Co-founder Maggie Li highlighted the team's commitment to creating an efficient, practical system suitable for real-world scenarios. The aim is to roll out ChatSign globally within the next decade, promoting enhanced communication for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing individuals.

The company is currently collaborating with partners for data gathering, technology testing, and pilot projects across various sectors, with plans to expand its UAE initiatives before going international in the upcoming years.

#Global News #World News #Abu Dhabi News #Abu Dhabi