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AI translation devices – a new yet old piece of technology

One of the main questions concerning any piece of technology which a user should consider answering prior to buying or using any machine or device is: how does it work? AI translation systems are both a new and yet old piece of technology. Such systems and the devices which store them have undergone extensive and immersive improvements following the initial concept of the idea, with latest developments including the usage of deep neural networks as well as being able to translate to and from morphologically rich languages. Because of their ability to discern the meaning of texts using pre-training and databases of information, such systems are used for different purposes including translation of ancient languages and documents as well as in universities as aids during lectures. AI translation devices can also be used outside of these areas due to the different types available for use such as the Meet and Greet tablet, the portable image scanner, and others. Regardless of the type of tool chosen, such a device can help in both saving costs as well as avoiding misunderstandings in different situations. AI translation devices and systems are also one of the areas where research is being conducted in finding further means of improving said software. Due to this, there are many potential trends worth looking forward to. 

The science behind machine translation: Computational Linguistics

While AI translation devices in their current forms and shapes are the result of recent innovations and developments with research constantly seeking means of bettering the foundation systems, the notion of machines translating human languages is relatively old. It was first proposed as an idea by a mathematician known as Warren Weaver. This, along with several other contributing factors, has led to the development of an entirely new branch of science known as Computational Linguistics. By its nature, this branch of science is a blend between language and computer science with the resulting offshoot incorporating theoretical and mathematical linguistics, software engineering and artificial intelligence. Apart from machine translation, this branch also includes text summarization, speech recognition and others. Computational Linguistics from a theoretical point of view has the goals to discover the principles of learning and techniques of processing used by the human brain in regards to languages. Once it has uncovered these essential elements, scientists operating in this branch use the knowledge to create or formulate semantic models and grammatical frameworks that will allow computers to identify language in the same manner as humans. From an engineering perspective, the goal of this scientific branch is to create a system that precipitates the human-machine interaction by making certain tasks such as translation automatic. Apart from AI translation, this aspect of Computational Linguistics also finds applications in areas such as the creation of chatbots, schedule planning and others. For the purpose of creating technology that uses language, specialists in this field of research perform a series of steps such as identifying and modeling the language properties the application or device will use. Additionally, extensive research is being done on matters such as modeling word trees in historical linguistics.

Because of the intense focus said scientific branch has received, many improvements and changes have been made in regards to translation devices and their level of quality, as well as the incorporation of language in computers including chatbots. Certain periods of time have been and continue to be more productive than others. For instance, in the last years, many milestones and accomplishments have been made such as creating an AI translation machine that can interpret over 100 languages. Another example is the early 1990s when suggestions were made to have the devices use a method like probabilistic calculations to determine which target language sentence or word matched best the inputted source sentence or word. Due to the most recent developments, AI translation devices can be quite beneficial in interpreting both written and spoken texts. Examples of some of the state-of-the-art developments include having the system use a deep neural network, which is a type of computer architecture consisting of different layers that can execute a variety of tasks and learn simultaneously from an insignificant amount of information. Additionally, such machines include the integration of an attention mechanism, a superstructure which helps the architecture in focusing on essential elements within the sentence or text. Besides the previously mentioned developments, AI translation devices also include improvements such as the ability to translate in languages that have a rich morphology via the usage of a modeling word-formation. There is furthermore the introduction of a type of tactic known as Data Diversification which enables the modifying of the system’s database by expanding the training data using predictions that are then integrated into the original database of information.

How advanced are translation devices in terms of using context and culture?

When it comes to translation devices and programs, it is always essential to ask oneself about how accurate the translation made by the piece of technology is. This includes considering whether the machine or software has factored in context or the meaning of the previous sentences as well as external factors such as the occasion that has gathered one or more conversation participants. Similarly, a user should also note whether the translation has also included the foundation culture of both the source and target languages. In linguistics, culture is the term used to describe the sum of notions, values, ethical beliefs, prejudices, and other aspects which influence a speaker or writer, including their manner of speech and frequency of using figures of speech and emotional tones such as sarcasm, irony, respect, and others. Taking into consideration both culture and context is important with regards to translation as it helps to make certain that the thoughts expressed behind the text or speech have been properly rendered from the target language into the source one for the purpose of avoiding misunderstandings, particularly during lectures, conferences or important meetings such as between politicians. In this respect, AI translation devices often correctly use context, although they have yet to reach the levels achievable by professional human translators. For instance, such a machine can help in translating official documents, scientific texts, and everyday verbal communication. But they may encounter certain difficulties with respect to artistic texts such as novels or poems. Nevertheless, such tools can be more than beneficial in instances where translations are important, such as when visiting a medic in a foreign country, when attending an international college or university, when shopping in an overseas state, and others.

It should also be noted that a continuous profusion of research is being conducted in regards to improving the level of accuracy of the outputted texts using context. Examples of some of the recent improvements in this respect include incorporating cross-lingual transfer which allows the system to operate at improved levels of efficiency when having to translate to or from a low-resource language such as Hungarian. Another instance of a research project that is intended to further an AI translation system’s ability to utilize context is the one associated with interpreting between language pairs that have not been seen previously during the training of the software. This is accomplished by taking several steps such as determining the causes for multilingual neural machine translation systems to be unable to generalize language pairs which have not been seen during the initial training of the system itself.

A detail worth noting: AI assisting in translating ancient languages

AI translation devices can be helpful in many situations. One of the noteworthy examples of the helpfulness of such systems includes their utilization during archeological excavations and projects. In such instances, AI translation can help in interpreting and translating ancient languages. For the task, the software is trained using extensive databases containing hundreds of millions of symbols/characters which have been extracted during the excavation of different scrolls, tablets, or parts of an ancient building. These databases are then used in an attempt to decipher the written information found on the original sources. Such systems can be particularly effective if the ancient language shares its roots with another which has been ascertained. This is because AI translation systems that have been trained using such databases permit the exploitation of the already known language’s alphabet, meaning of words and grammar for the deciphering of the ancient tongue’s respective ones. Through the usage of such software, several antique languages have been discerned. Examples include Ugaritic (an early form of Hebrew). It has also been used to ascertain the contents of some antique documents such as the En-Gedi Scroll. Said devices have also been employed as a means to scan and transcribe human handwriting as a means to aid paleographers during research by reducing the amount of time needed to transcribe documents of historical value, particularly when the quantities that have to be transcribed are large. AI translation systems can help in such tasks due to their ability to perform a task which is often considered tedious and time-consuming yet requires utmost precision to avoid errors which can lead to mistakes during the translation of documents. Additionally, such software permits scholars to compare and analyze symbols one character at a time, which in turn helps in increasing further the accuracy of the translations. Yet, such systems do have certain limitations. For instance, the systems may not be able to provide a precise interpretation of the symbols and documents if the information regarding the language is scarce such as when there is no ascertained tongue whose alphabet, grammar, and lexicon is known. Yet, scientists are actively researching means of improving the accuracy in such instances.

How AI translation is of great help to foreign universities and colleges

Apart from translating ancient languages, AI translation is also used to assist students during their lectures, particularly when attending an international university in a foreign country the native or official tongue of which they do not know or have not mastered yet. This is due to such systems permitting students to continue listening to their lectures and lessons while taking notes for instance without the need to use a dictionary that disrupts their concentration. Such accomplishments are done by having the devices use real-time translation with relatively high accuracy in combination with speech recognition as well as the option to interpret a text from an image. As a result, students can continue their studies without having to divert their attention. Additionally, such devices can assist students who have hearing problems by helping them understand what the lecturer is saying during the lesson. This is done by having the system use speech recognition to translate the spoken words into text which is then projected on a screen behind the speaker. Such a method permits students who have hearing difficulties to be able to attend the same courses and lectures as their fellow colleagues who can hear well.

Apart from lectures, AI translation devices are also a suitable tool for instances such as visiting a counselor as well as improving one’s vocabulary when traveling around the city or visiting museums, restaurants, and libraries. This stems as a result of such machines permitting the user to learn new words during conversations, shopping, searching for a new book, or when reading signs. This particularly applies to high-resource languages such as Thai, Chinese, English, Japanese, and others as these tongues are among the ones frequently used during lectures, especially in the case of English. However, in order for such devices to be beneficial for students, proper care needs to be taken when selecting the type of device that will be used. For the task, several important steps should be taken prior to making a purchase from platforms such as chic.biz. Such include, for example, educating oneself on the types of available machines which can be found. In the following paragraphs, some information is presented about some of the varieties one can find when searching for a suitable model.

The different forms and shapes of AI translation devices

As has been previously mentioned, one of the essential steps that need to be taken when it comes to selecting the suitable AI translation device is for one to learn in advance what types are available and accessible. This can be accomplished by studying in detail the models provided and learning their advantages, range of available languages, and others. For instance, many platforms offer as models translation pens, devices with a display similar in shape and size to a mobile phone, a tablet-sized variant frequently used for conferences, and a portable reading scanner. Each of these types can provide certain benefits when used properly and each is suitable for certain situations.

Translation pen – listen in the native language while taking notes

One of the types available for usage by students, travelers, and business people is the translation pen. This is a type of AI translation device that uses a neural machine translation software incorporated into a pen made from a composite metal consisting of aluminum and magnesium. Due to the lightness of the materials used, this type of device is used for interpreting is light, permitting the user to carry it everywhere they travel as well as to use it in many situations. For instance, such a pen can be of help during lectures or conferences when notes have to be taken yet the language used during the speech is foreign to the writer. To that end, the user can have the device record and translate the speech in real time and then listen to the recording. Furthermore, the recordings can also be downloaded via a MicroUSB connector in addition to being compatible with Android and IOS. Additionally, this type of AI translation device includes a built-in microphone and speaker with speech recognition as well as noise cancellation. This, in turn, permits the user to utilize AI translation during conversations such as when speaking to a clerk in a store or when filling in important documents and needing to ask the government official a question. This is due to the noise-canceling ensuring that any sounds which can impede and interfere with the sentences spoken during the conversation are cancelled or removed, thus preventing a reduction in translation quality. Examples of the types of sounds which can be canceled include sounds of car engines in traffic. In addition, this type of AI translation device can be used for extensive periods of time as the battery can last up to 180 hours of standby time and is rechargeable. Apart from these essential elements, many brands also feature the option of connecting to the internet via Wifi and Hotspot. In general, this type of AI translation device can interpret in 40 languages including ones that are considered high-resource or popular such as English, Chinese, Thai, and others. It can also interpret in other languages such as German, Russian, Italian, Spanish, Japanese, and so on.

Translation device with display similar to a mobile phone

Another type of AI translation device which can be found on the market is the one featuring a display. It has the dimensions of a mobile phone and permits the users to translate speech or text by selecting between two of the hundred and seventeen languages available for translation by the device. Quite often this type of machine is used during business travels or conferences as a means of communicating with one or more overseas partners. This is due to the device permitting the user to translate with relatively high accuracy complex sentences and texts. In addition, the machine has the option of conducting the interpretation in a two-way manner which in turn allows the user to also translate their speech in order for their conversation partner to understand what the user is saying in reply to their words. Additionally, similar to a portable reading scanner, this type of AI translation device can also work offline as well as translate a photo containing text in a foreign language.

Because of the advantages provided by its use and its relatively lightweight and compact design, this type of device can be taken abroad even when traveling via plane by placing it in one’s backpack or handbag. In general, this kind of AI translation machine has a relatively long battery life as well as a noise-canceling microphone and loudspeaker.

Translation device as a two-way touchscreen conference tablet

Apart from the portable variants of the AI translation devices, there is also a version that is relatively stationary. It is commonly referred to as a Meet and Greet Translator as it is highly recommended and popular as a means of communication between receptionists and hotel guests. However, the device can also be used in other instances such as during business meetings. This is due to this type having touch screens on both sides allowing both sides of the discussion or conversation to utilize its ability to translate between 50 to 53 languages with high accuracy. This applies particularly to complex sentences due to the AI’s improved interpretation ability using some of the latest developments. The device can be connected using Wifi and Hotspot. It also includes the option of being able to translate offline in instances when having access to the internet may not be possible. In general, this type has a battery life of about 48 hours on standby with the battery having the option of recharging.

Portable reading scanner – reads documents, signs and other written texts

Alternatively known as a travel translator, this type of AI translation device allows one to interpret speeches or texts by selecting between 106 languages using a machine which includes a 2.8-inch screen for interaction, a compact but powerful 8-megapixel camera which enables making photos of the text that needs to be translated with the option for photo translation including 40 to 45 languages. Additionally, the device has the option of translating in offline mode which can be helpful in instances when one does not have access to the internet such as when traveling by plane or bus, yet has to communicate in a foreign language. Similar to the previous type of AI translation machine, this type also has the option of translating real-time speech using a microphone with built-in noise cancellation as well as the option of connecting to the internet via Wifi. Because of the previously-mentioned elements and advantages, this type of AI translation device is suitable for a variety of situations such as when traveling for business or pleasure. Additionally, it can also aid students during their daily routine or when visiting a foreign city for the first time. Said device can furthermore help when one needs to expand one’s vocabulary or would like to learn what is written on a sign or in a menu to avoid committing an offense which in turn would lead to legal issues such as fines or even imprisonment. This type of AI translation device can be used for up to six hours of continuous work or up to 150 hours of standby time. Like the previously mentioned types, this variant has a rechargeable battery that allows one to connect the machine via a USB cable to the charger and power grid of their home and replenish its energy.

Reasons one should consider acquiring an AI translation device

AI translation devices are pieces of technology which one should consider acquiring for their travels, business, or university. They can assist in removing or reducing the effect of the language barrier through highly accurate and on-time translations in real-time including when speaking to foreigners, reading signs, or needing to translate a text. In addition, many of the types of AI translation machines are compact and portable, allowing one to take said tool with them wherever they travel without having to carry extra weight. This can be quite advantageous particularly when traveling by plane or bus when the available storage space or luggage requirements can significantly impede the list of items one can afford to take with them. In addition, such devices, due to their high accuracy, reduce significantly the chance of misunderstandings occurring due to one of the conversation partners making an error and speaking the wrong sentence. This, in turn, can avoid unwelcome issues such as accidentally insulting the other group or person or violating a law due to misreading a text or sign. Apart from the previously mentioned advantages, one can safe costs by acquiring such a tool as said machines tend to include a relatively broad range of languages that can serve as both the source and target ones.

Potential trends to look forward to

While AI translation devices are currently quite sophisticated and advanced, especially in terms of translation accuracy as well as the range of available languages, they can be further improved. Because of the potential for further improvement, many researchers within the scientific community are actively studying and searching for means of making an already well-working system perform better. This can be found in several trends that are worth monitoring and looking forward to. Examples of such interesting trends include:

• Enhancing the performance of the system

One of the aspects of the AI translation devices which scientists are intensely working on is enhancing the performance of the system. This includes working on algorithms that will help in increasing the software’s ability to decode input information such as words or phrases. Particular focus is placed on the potential of synchronous bidirectional decoding as well as figuring the means of incorporating free order. Current experimentations show that both of the mentioned options can possibly increase the performance of the system without compromising translation accuracy and quality. 

• Increasing the software’s low-resource language translation quality

Another aspect of AI translation which many within the scientific community are actively seeking to improve is the quality of translation when the software has to translate to or from a low-resource language. Low-resource languages are ones that do not have as many available translated documents or are not as popular or widely spoken as others. Examples of such languages include Irish, Uzbek, and others. In this regard, many researchers are seeking an alternative or method that will allow them to translate with high accuracy using scarce amounts of data as well as a means through which a multilingual model for new and incoming languages.

• Making easier-to-built neural machine translators with semi-supervision

Besides the previously mentioned aspects worth improving, researchers are also searching for means to make semi-supervised AI translation systems less challenging and resource-consuming in terms of construction. Such software is quite effective in regards to translation quality, however the back-translation algorithm which forms the foundation of the system is more than a bit demanding in terms of the time needed for its construction and development. Among the alternatives researchers are considering is integrating pre-training as a means of making back-translation algorithms less demanding in terms of construction time. 

• Research continues on finding ways to use various modalities

Neural machine translation systems can use quite a few different modalities with examples including image-text translation, end-to-end framework, and others. However, each of these modalities holds the potential of being used for other situations apart from the ones they currently are being used. For instance, image-text translation can potentially be used for more than image caption interpretation. Due to such promising possibilities, researchers are working on finding ways to uncover and exploit such potential without compromising translation quality. 

• Removing issues concerning simultaneous translation

Simultaneous translation is also an area where many projects are being done. A particular focus within this aspect is placed on resolving and removing the issues concerning speech correction and repetition as well as finding a means to combine interpretation and summarization. The latter is an option worth researching as it can help audiences in learning the most essential thoughts expressed in a speech at low latency.

• Incorporation of background information and prior knowledge

When it comes to translating languages, it is always essential that background information and prior knowledge are taken into consideration. They contain the data of what is the speaker's meaning through the usage of certain words or phrases, even if one and the same combinations are used in different situations. For instance, the meaning behind a phrase such as “Oh, pardon me” is different when one bumps into another and when they are addressing someone who has done something injudicious. While the current level of sophistication of AI translation systems is quite good at incorporating and factoring in context, it can encounter difficulties in certain instances. Due to such challenges, intense research is being done on finding means to incorporate background information and prior knowledge such as environment and bilingual lexicon. 

• Removal of the unknown test and out-of-term domain interpretations

Many projects are intensely focused on removing the issues of unknown test and out-of-domain interpretations (interpretations that are not tied to the topic or have no connection to the input text). This is due to such interpretations that can significantly reduce the quality of the translations made by the system.

• Reducing inconsistencies between evaluation and training

Apart from the previously mentioned areas of improvement, many specialists are researching means of reducing the inconsistencies between the system’s evaluation and training mechanism such as high levels of incorrect guesses when translating sentences. This is an essential matter to address as such errors can cause a reduction in the quality of translation in addition to making further updates difficult.

• Creating new architecture alternatives

Currently, many AI translation systems use architectures such as the convoluted neural network as well as mechanisms such as a Transformer. Yet, while effective, such combinations do have their limitations and setbacks which can be challenging to resolve, with examples including difficulties in using free form data input. As a result, many researchers are studying and conducting experiments in finding new architecture alternatives which can enhance or possibly replace the ones currently in use.