Pakistan has introduced SILA, an artificial intelligence based translator designed to help deaf and hard of hearing people receive timely information during emergencies and other critical situations. The technology is part of the SUNO Tech project, an inclusive early warning system developed to improve access to emergency communication.
SILA has been developed by technology company ConnectHear with support from GSMA Pakistan and Ufone. The system is intended to make important information more accessible to people who may not be able to hear conventional public announcements or emergency warnings. Its focus includes communicating information related to emergencies, natural disasters and other potential threats in a form that can be understood by deaf and hard of hearing users. By applying artificial intelligence to communication and interpretation, the system aims to provide users with timely information that can help them understand developing situations and take appropriate safety measures.
The technology was demonstrated by British High Commissioner Jane Marriott during a visit to a facility for deaf students, where she learned from students how to use SILA. The demonstration highlighted the intended role of the technology in making emergency communication more accessible. The SUNO Tech project has been described as an inclusive early warning system designed for citizens including people who are deaf or hard of hearing. Its application can be particularly relevant during situations such as floods, earthquakes and other emergencies, when receiving information quickly can be important for making decisions about personal safety.
The development of SILA also reflects the use of artificial intelligence to address accessibility challenges in communication. Rather than limiting digital technology to general consumer applications, the project applies artificial intelligence to a specific need involving access to public safety information. The system is intended to help bridge communication gaps by making spoken or critical information available in Pakistani Sign Language. This focus can help improve the availability of emergency information for members of the deaf and hard of hearing community, particularly when conventional audio based announcements may not provide accessible communication.
The project brings together ConnectHear, GSMA Pakistan and Ufone, with support from the United Kingdom for the SUNO Tech initiative. The introduction of SILA provides another example of how artificial intelligence can be applied to accessibility and public communication in Pakistan. Its primary focus remains the delivery of timely and understandable information during emergencies and other situations where public warnings are required. As the project develops, SILA can provide an additional communication channel for deaf and hard of hearing people, helping them access information that is important for responding to emergencies and natural disasters.
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