Sorenson Unveils AI-Powered ASL Translation Tools, Raising Accessibility Hopes and Concerns

New technology aims to bridge communication gaps between Deaf and hearing communities, but experts caution about consent and nuance.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 1:55pm

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A highly detailed 3D illustration of a glowing, futuristic digital avatar signing in American Sign Language, surrounded by a matrix of neon-lit cybernetic hardware. The avatar's movements are fluid and expressive, with vibrant cyan and magenta lights pulsing through the technological elements, conceptually representing the potential and challenges of using AI to translate sign language.As AI-powered sign language translation tools seek to bridge communication gaps, concerns linger about consent and the technology's ability to capture the nuance of human expression.Boston Today

Sorenson Communications has unveiled two artificial intelligence-powered tools designed to translate American Sign Language in real time without a human interpreter. One tool recognizes ASL and converts it to English text, while the other translates written text, spoken word or video into ASL using a lifelike digital avatar. While the technology could expand access, experts have raised concerns about consent and whether AI can accurately capture the nuance of sign language.

Why it matters

This technology has the potential to significantly improve accessibility and communication for Deaf Americans in everyday situations where interpreters may not be readily available. However, there are valid concerns about whether Deaf individuals will have true agency in choosing to use the technology and if the AI-powered translation can adequately represent the complexities of ASL.

The details

Sorenson's tools are designed to streamline communication in places like stores, restaurants and airports, where quick interactions happen but interpreters may not be immediately available. One tool recognizes someone signing and instantly converts it into English text, while the other translates written text, spoken word or video into ASL using a lifelike digital avatar. Experts have raised concerns about consent and whether the technology can accurately capture the nuance of sign language, noting the lack of facial expressions in the demo avatar.

  • Sorenson plans to bring the tools to market in the next few weeks.

The players

Sorenson Communications

A company that has unveiled two artificial intelligence-powered tools designed to translate American Sign Language in real time without a human interpreter.

Adam Munder

Sorenson's head of insights for AI Sign Language translation, who believes the technology is groundbreaking.

Kaj Van De Loo

Sorenson's general manager of AI Sign Language translation, who says the goal is to bring the AI capabilities to real-world situations.

Naomi Caselli

Co-director of the Deaf Center at Boston University, who is concerned about whether Deaf people will have a choice in using the technology.

Katie McCarthy

Outreach and support services program coordinator at the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Program at Boston Children's Hospital, who doubts the avatar could be used effectively for real-life interpreting.

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What they’re saying

“I never thought that I would see something like this in my lifetime.”

— Adam Munder, Sorenson's head of insights for AI Sign Language translation

“What makes this really exciting, really, is to bring the AI behind it into all these real-world situations where hardware is present, but we can just add our capabilities to it.”

— Kaj Van De Loo, Sorenson's general manager of AI Sign Language translation

“I think consent is a big part of what we're needing to think about. You know, are deaf people able to make the choice to use the technology or not? So I think that's a big question right now.”

— Naomi Caselli, Co-director of the Deaf Center at Boston University

“There definitely was no facial expression in the video, so I wonder, if the avatar was trying to be used for real-life interpreting, I don't think that would work as a form of accessibility.”

— Katie McCarthy, Outreach and support services program coordinator at the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Program at Boston Children's Hospital

What’s next

Sorenson says it plans to continue refining the technology, soliciting feedback, and exploring additional uses, including potentially using the avatar as another option beyond traditional closed captioning.

The takeaway

While the AI-powered ASL translation tools from Sorenson have the potential to improve accessibility, there are valid concerns about consent and whether the technology can accurately capture the nuance and complexity of sign language. As this technology continues to evolve, it will be crucial to center the perspectives and needs of the Deaf community to ensure these tools truly empower rather than further marginalize.