Frequently Asked Questions

What is KAT?

KAT is our innovative, on-demand AI engine that rapidly converts English text into high-quality sign language animations. This release is our initial public preview, intended to invite community participation to help us further train and refine our AI. We encourage users to try KAT and provide valuable feedback to support continuous improvement. As part of this review phase, everyone can access up to five free translations per week—no cost, no commitment, and only a few clicks needed to see your message come alive in American Sign Language (ASL). At this time, KAT is not available for purchase, but future plans include commercial availability. For longer or more frequent translation needs, we recommend exploring our KAT Hybrid service.
How fast is KAT?

KAT delivers your ASL video translations swiftly, typically within a few minutes. As it is in initial public preview you may experience some translation delays from time to time.
What kind of content is best for KAT?

Once we've refined our AI with community feedback and further AI training, , we expect that KAT will be well suited to structured, concise, and clearly defined content types such as: Public service announcements Transport and travel updates Emergency and safety alerts Informational and instructional content Digital user interfaces and automated notifications
Can I use KAT regularly for ongoing content?

During this Public Review phase, all users can access up to five free translations per week. This is an opportunity for users to regularly test KAT, share valuable feedback, and actively participate in shaping the development and refinement of our AI-driven translations. For needs exceeding this free usage, such as longer translations or higher volumes, we recommend exploring our KAT Hybrid service, which is designed for longer more accurate translations, with Certified Deaf Interpreter review to ensure accuracy.
Can I try KAT for free?

Yes! During our Public Review Release, everyone can access up to five free translations weekly. No charges, no obligations—simply effortless access to review our ASL translations and to help us to improve our AI’s accuracy.
Why is a tool like KAT needed?

Deaf people still face barriers to accessing timely, accurate sign language content - especially online. Our goal is for KAT to help close that gap by in the future offering fast, scalable, visual-first translations on demand 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Is KAT tested and shaped by Deaf advisors?

Yes. Certified Deaf Interpreters (CDIs), Deaf educators, and members of the wider Deaf community regularly test KAT and provide feedback. Their insights guide improvements in translation quality and cultural accuracy. This ongoing feedback loop continues to shape future updates. Our initial Public Review enables members of the Deaf community to provide feedback on our ASL translations and help improve and influence its development.
Was the Deaf community involved in developing KAT?

Yes. KAT was co-developed with Deaf professionals, advisors, and Certified Deaf Interpreters (CDI's), interpreters from day one. Their input helps ensure the technology aligns with visual language norms and Deaf cultural values. The next phase of development is our Initial Public Release created to enable members of the Deaf community to have an influence on how we develop from here
What does Kara Technologies do?

Kara Technologies develops advanced, applied AI-driven digital humans capable of translating English text into sign language animations. Our goal is to enhance digital content accessibility for Deaf communities, supporting languages including ASL, NZSL, and other sign languages currently in development.
How fast is KAT-Hybrid?

KAT-Hybrid translations are typically delivered within 24-48 hours, depending on complexity and current project volume. We clearly communicate timelines upfront to manage expectations.
What’s the difference between KAT and KAT-Hybrid?

KAT is our preview release of a fully automated ASL translation tool — designed to explore delivering translations with speed and consistency for straightforward, factual content. Its primary purpose is to gather feedback from the Deaf community so we can improve its accuracy, accessibility, and usefulness over time. KAT Hybrid adds a layer of human expertise, with Certified Deaf Interpreters (CDIs) reviewing and refining each translation. This ensures high-quality, culturally accurate ASL for content that carries emotional nuance, complexity, or important detail — ideal for education, storytelling, and official communications.
When should I choose KAT-Hybrid?

KAT-Hybrid is ideal for: Educational materials Campaign videos Story-driven or narrative content Emotionally nuanced or culturally sensitive messages Website translation and so much more!
Does KAT-Hybrid still use your applied AI system?

Yes, KAT-Hybrid leverages our core AI technology as a first pass. This is then enhanced by human oversight from Certified Deaf Interpreters, ensuring accuracy, authenticity, and cultural resonance.
How does Kara create the signed language database

We have built a growing database of motion-captured sign language, created by Deaf signers. Every sign is recorded ethically — not AI-generated — and comes directly from a native Deaf signer. Our strict QA process ensures that native Deaf signers review and sign off on every step. This commitment to cultural integrity, natural flow, and linguistic accuracy is what sets Kara apart and drives the quality of our digital human translations.
What sign languages do you support?

Currently, we provide comprehensive support for ASL (American Sign Language). Additionally, we have growing capabilities in: NZSL (New Zealand Sign Language) Auslan (Australian Sign Language) BSL (British Sign Language)
How does Kara ensure Deaf culture and sign language diversity within the sign data base?

We follow Deaf-led guidance and embed cultural reviews at every stage. Each version is developed with input from language specialists and the wider Deaf community. Feedback is continuously collected, curated, and used to refine our tools with care and respect.
Is this a replacement for human interpreters?

No. KAT and KAT-Hybrid are not replacements for human interpreters. These tools are designed to complement traditional interpreting services by ensuring access through dependable alternatives, especially when live interpreters are unavailable, impractical, or not feasible. They are particularly useful for: Digital platforms Pre-recorded videos Short-form or recurring structured content Situations where scheduling live interpreters is not possible Our goal is to support greater access, not to replace the critical role of live interpreters in interactive or high-stakes environments.
What formatting options do you offer for sign language translations?

We offer flexible formatting to meet your specific content needs and workflow needs. Options include: Complete MP4 video files Green screen or Alpha channel files for seamless integration PiP – picture in picture
Who are your services for?

Our services are designed for any organization or individual seeking to integrate sign language accessibility into their platforms, communications, notifications, or documents. Whether you represent a public agency, transport provider, business, educational institution, or content creator, Kara helps make your content inclusive and accessible for Deaf communities.
Can Kara handle both one-off and ongoing translation needs?

Yes, we cater to both: One-off projects, such as specific campaigns or announcements Regular, ongoing translation needs, including weekly updates, monthly messages, and educational content Recurring clients benefit from dedicated scheduling and consistent delivery timelines.
How do I start using KAT or KAT-Hybrid?

You can use KAT as soon as it is launched on initial public release. To use KAT Hybrid simply contact us through our website. We’ll be happy to discuss your specific needs, and explore suitable integration options. We can provide and support proof of concept trials, pilot programs, and tailored onboarding programmes.
What are the three delivery formats Kara offers?

Direct Translation Output – Rendered video files containing only the sign language translation ready for embedding into your platform or presentations. KAT Hybrid with Embedded Subtitles – Sign language translations integrated directly into your original video content, complete with subtitles for maximum accessibility. Alpha/Green Screen Background – Video files provided with transparent (alpha) or green screen backgrounds, allowing flexibility for post-production integration.
Are subtitles included with the KAT output?

Yes. Subtitles are automatically generated during the KAT translation process, providing effortless accessibility. For KAT-Hybrid, subtitles can additionally be tailored and aligned by our interpreters for more nuanced communication.
Who has access to the content I submit for translation?

Only authorized Kara staff and, in the case of KAT-Hybrid, our Certified Deaf Interpreters involved in content refinement. All personnel operate under strict confidentiality agreements.
How does Kara protect user data and sensitive information?

Data security is a top priority. Kara Technologies employs secure servers, data encryption, and strict access controls to safeguard user information. We fully comply with relevant privacy regulations and industry best practices.
How can I have access to my data?

You can request data access through our dedicated support channels anytime.
Can I request a confidentiality agreement for sensitive projects?

Absolutely. We regularly provide NDAs or confidentiality agreements for sensitive or institutional projects. Please contact our team during onboarding to arrange this.