Sanas Launches Accent Translation Technology

Sanas is introducing real-time speech-to-speech accent translation technology.

With no noticeable lag and edge deployment, the patent-pending Sanas software intercepts audio and converts accents through a speech-to-speech approach, building a virtual bridge between the audio device and the computer, and then sending the new signal to whichever communication app (Zoom, Hangouts, etc.) is in use. Almost instantly, the accent of a customer care representative, for example, will be matched to the accent of an incoming caller.

"The world has shrunk, and people are doing business globally, while at the same time they have real difficulty understanding each other. Even getting Google Home or Alexa to understand accents accurately is extremely important," said Sanas’ CEO, Maxim Serebryakov in a statement. "Digital communication is critical for our daily lives. Sanas is striving to make communication easy and free from friction so people can speak confidently and understand each other, wherever they are and whoever they are trying to communicate with."

The first application for the technology is in customer care centers, an industry where accent issues can be particularly problematic, according to the company. Seven contact center outsourcers will begin using the technology this fall.

"We plan to introduce the accent-matching technology to a range of industries and environments far beyond customer care and technical support, which are two very obvious use cases," Serebryakov said. "There are also creative use cases, such as those in entertainment and media, where producers can make their films and programs understandable in different parts of the world by matching accents to localities. We are also exploring how machines can better interpret what people are saying. We've only begun to explore the possibilities."

Sanas' internal research revealed that by eliminating the accent barrier, companies enjoy increased customer satisfaction, sales, communication efficiency, and foreign language learner fluency, as well as decreased word error rate.