How Our Applied AI Translates into Sign Language in Only 3 Steps
- Noreen Wilson
- Apr 15
- 3 min read
Behind the Signs:
At Kara Technologies, we’re reimagining what inclusive communication looks like. Our latest innovation, Kara Auto Translate KAT is the first near-real-time Applied AI-powered translation system built specifically to translate English into sign language using digital avatars. KAT breaks new ground in accessibility by combining applied AI, a growing ASL database, and our patented animation engine, all developed in partnership with the Deaf community.
1 Built with the Deaf Community, Every Step of the Way
The foundation of KAT is our strong collaboration with the Deaf community and our talented Deaf sign language experts. Everything from motion capture to final animation has been co-designed to ensure cultural authenticity, linguistic accuracy, and clarity.
It all starts in our cutting-edge motion capture studio, where we record native Deaf signers using high-precision motion capture tech. Each sign is carefully reviewed, cleaned, and labelled by Deaf experts. To date, we’ve built a robust and growing American Sign Language (ASL) data base with over 14,000 validated signs—and we’re adding more every day.
Every sign used from KAT has been validated by our accredited Deaf staff and advisors. We also conduct regular quality checks and welcome community feedback to keep improving our outputs over time.
2 Introducing Kara Notation System (KNS)
A key component underpinning the accuracy and consistency of KAT and what sets us up for success is the Kara Notation System (KNS) our own specially crafted framework designed to represent sign languages’ grammatical features in a structured, machine-readable format. KNS acts as a bridge between natural sign language and digital animation. It captures not only which sign to use, but also important linguistic features such as facial expressions, directionality, and role-shifting. KNS breaks down each sign into core components and by encoding them systematically, KNS ensures that our Applied AI engine understands both the grammar and meaning behind what is being signed. This enables KAT to produce translations that are not just technically correct, but culturally and contextually appropriate as well
3 Seamless Translation, In Almost Real Time
Once the Kara Notation System (KNS) generates a detailed sign gloss, it selects the most appropriate signs from our validated ASL database. Then, our patented blending engine takes over—this is where the final magic happens. The blending engine intelligently connects each individual sign, ensuring transitions are fluid and natural, without awkward pauses or breaks between words. The result is a harmonious, lifelike sign language message that flows just like a native signer.
Whether you're receiving an emergency alert, watching a video, or reading digital content, KAT delivers high-quality sign language interpretation almost instantly.
Currently, the base KAT - Kara Automatic Translation system focuses on core translation and real-time animation. For more advanced applications—such as handling complex dialogue, storytelling, role-shifting, and emotional expression—a KAT-Hybrid approach is used. This enhanced version combines KAT’s powerful applied AI engine with the expertise of qualified, experienced Certified Deaf Interpreters (CDIs), ensuring cultural accuracy and linguistic nuance in more dynamic and context-sensitive scenarios.
Looking ahead, KAT will build on this foundation to offer even greater autonomy and flexibility. Future capabilities will include contextual understanding, adaptive signing styles, and full conversational interactivity—bringing us even closer to truly intelligent translation quality.
Imagine the possibilities: education, live events, news, health updates, customer service, all instantly accessible in ASL, with the level of sophistication that fits your needs.
Are you an educator, accessibility advocate, emergency responder, translator, or part of a public-facing organisation? Whether you work in education, media, public service, tech, or community outreach KAT delivers lightning-fast, translations in near real time to help connect people with your content more effectively.
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