South African graduate develops AI system to translate sign language into speech

The technology converts South African Sign Language into spoken words in real time A University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) graduate has developed an artificial intelligence (AI) system that translates South African Sign Language (SASL) into speech in real time. The technology was created by Akhil Hansrajh as his final-year design project while completing a BSc Engineering degree in Computer Engineering, according to IOL. The SASL-to-Speech Translation System uses computer vision, a custom AI model and a machine learning framework to track body landmarks and recognise signs. Trained on a dataset specifically developed for SASL, the system can identify individual letters and words before converting them into spoken language through a text-to-speech model. According to the project's supervisor, Sulaiman Patel, the initiative was among the first assistive technology projects in UKZN's Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering discipline to focus specifically on South African Sign Language. SASL was recognised as South Africa's 12th official language, while many existing sign-language technologies internationally are designed around American Sign Language. The project was also inspired by Hansrajh's family experience. His parents were born hard of hearing, and communication in everyday settings has often required assistance from family members. The graduate said that further development of the technology could help people who use SASL communicate more independently with those who do not know the language. Akhil Hansrajh plans to continue improving the system's ability to recognise words and generate more cohesive and fluent speech while pursuing a career in software, networking or artificial intelligence and machine learning. The project demonstrates how artificial intelligence and computer vision can be applied to develop technologies tailored to local languages and communication needs.  In an exclusive interview with TV BRICS, Media Manager of Fana Broadcasting Corporate discusses... We will tell you what has happened in economics, politics, culture, science and education in... On the same day, Egypt’s new Code of Criminal Procedure will come into force More than 58 per cent of foreign tourists visiting Indonesia in 2025 took part in culinary or gastronomic... The new rules are aimed at attracting investment in digital infrastructure and developing the country’s... Oman’s non-oil exports increased by 11.4 per cent by the end of June 2026, supported by wider market... Leopardus tilcayo is the first new feline species identified in more than a century Visa-free travel between Moscow and Beijing doubles cross-border traffic The Brazilian analytical centre iBRICS+ has become a new partner of TV BRICS – the cooperation... Tehran aims to develop transport, trade and financial cooperation Growth was recorded across virtually all major sectors Gardens are to be created on high-rise buildings in Jakarta Partnerships will expand the route network and simplify connections The model will enable more effective production decisions to be made The country aims to become a global exporter of clean energy The spacecraft will ascend to an altitude of over 100 km, carry out a series of scientific experiments,... Vinh Long Province is developing a start-up ecosystem and bringing scientific developments to market... This new technology is capable of capturing and oxidising toxic trivalent arsenic, converting it... The older generation most often turns to family for help The rapid growth in gold exports has cemented the precious metal’s position as one of the country’s... The Prime Minister turns 76 The rocket placed nine satellites into orbit and broke two national records Teams from 25 countries reached the final