Published on: 15th July 2025
This is Auslan90 – Deep Dive, produced by Deaf Connect, supported by SBS.
In addition to our Daily news, Deaf Connect produces ‘deep dive’ videos which provide more detail and context to the biggest stories of the week.
Today’s deep dive focuses on Google’s recent SignGemma announcement.
Google has announced that SignGemma, a new AI model designed to translate American Sign Language (ASL) into English text, will launch later this year. This innovation places a global spotlight on years of research and development across the technology and academic worlds, culminating in a potentially powerful central tool that could reshape accessibility.
But reactions in the Deaf community are mixed. Will AI replace human sign language interpreters? What does this mean for the preservation of Deaf culture, language and identity? And can AI truly grasp and accurately interpret authentic everyday, conversational signing? Watch the video to dive deeper into the discussion.
Images credited to University of Washington, David L. Jaffe (Stanford University) & Getty Images. SignGemma announcement clip courtesy of X: Google DeepMind
This project is funded by the Federal Government Department of Social Services Information, Linkages and Capacity Building (ILC) program.
Your feedback on Auslan90, the news we cover and the format will help Deaf Connect better understand the demand for accessible news, and potentially expand the program beyond the pilot, so please provide any feedback in English or Auslan to [email protected]
