Speech Translation Technology Breaks Through Language Barrier for U.S. Forces in Iraq

Speech Translation Technology Breaks Through Language Barrier for U.S. Forces in Iraq

IBM (NYSE: IBM) today announced the successful delivery of an advanced speech-to-speech translation system to U.S. forces in Iraq. The bidirectional English to Arabic translation software is designed to improve communication between military personnel and Iraqi forces and citizens.

The United States Joint Forces Command (USJFCOM) is embracing automated speech-to-speech translation techniques to help offset the current short supply of military linguists. Developed by IBM Research, supplied and supported by IBM’s Technology Collaboration Solutions group, the Multilingual Automatic Speech-to-Speech Translator software — dubbed “MASTOR” — will initially be deployed on 35 ruggedized laptops to various Department of Defense components including the Army Medical Department, U.S. Special Operations Command and the Marines.

These military units will use MASTOR to facilitate military and medical-oriented conversations with members of the Iraqi security forces, in hospital settings and during daily interactions with Iraqi citizens. In addition, some of the devices will be used in the U.S. to help train military personnel in advance of deployments.

“Our goal is to enable units operating in areas where human interpreters are scarce to communicate effectively with speakers of different languages in real-world tactical situations,” said Wayne Richards, Branch Chief, U.S. Joint Forces Capabilities Division. “The feedback gained in the field is crucial to enhance the translation system requirements and performance expectations.”

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