How IoT-Enabled Translation Devices Can Enhance Global Business Operations

Eseye

IoT Hardware and Connectivity Specialists

LinkedIn

Technology has helped language learning move forward in leaps and bounds. The well-known language learning application Duolingo reported some 20 million daily active users alone in 2023. But even with the world more of a ‘global village’ than ever before, language remains a global barrier for society and commerce and a Babelfish style instant universal translator remains the stuff of science fiction.

Although IoT could change that sooner rather than later. Where mobile apps and standalone translation devices once relied on pre-loaded dictionaries and static language content, internet connected smart translators and AI assistance are advancing dynamic language translation faster than ever before.

The global language barrier and IoT’s role in bridging it

For travelers in both business and leisure experience is everything, and while many travelers may be able to get by with a few broken words and phrases, or relying on the universal understanding of English, that experience will be limited.

In an increasingly smart and autonomous world, if a traveler can’t interact with a machine or device in their native language, they can’t interact properly. In one example, as driverless smart cars become more common, how could you tell the car to drive to a destination if it only understands the local language?

Fortunately, IoT-enabled smart devices and translators are already available that can instantly translate live verbal communication, text, street signs, menus and more in real time across multiple common languages.

How IoT translation devices work

Enabled by reliable high-bandwidth low-latency connectivity and increasingly powered by cloud-based AI instances, IoT devices are becoming capable of real-time linguistics and are providing immersive, contextual learning experiences.

AI-enhanced IoT devices can understand the context of conversations and provide more natural, dynamic interactions. Augmented Reality (AR) combined with IoT can help bring foreign language learning to life by overlaying digital information onto the physical world.

Implementations could include anything from smart speakers embedded in a kiosk, car or elevator, through to smart toys for children that help teach language through play.

But, while IoT offers clear benefits, there are key technological barriers to address.

• Connectivity: For dynamic, real-time translation, a stable internet connection is needed. This is more challenging in some countries or regions than others.
• Infrastructure: This is connected to the above point, but not all regions have the infrastructure in place to support such implementations. Beyond the actual cellular equipment, this could also extend to the availability of technical support and engineering.

Localization in IoT deployments

One of the key use cases for language translation in an IoT deployment is to assist with localization. In order to achieve scalability with IoT deployments, enterprises seek to keep as much of the hardware in a device the same, ideally producing a single SKU. Any variations would be deployed via software and loaded during the manufacturing process, or even as an over-the-air (OTA) update once the device is in-situ.

With many IoT initiatives seeing devices cross into other geographical regions, there is an emerging need for translation and localization to ensure that products and services effectively reach their intended audiences in different cultures in the appropriate language.

IoT localization means adapting products and services to meet different linguistic and cultural requirements, covering even seemingly basic things like date format and measurement units. 

Localization considerations include:

• Modifying date and time formats
• Correct measurement units, e.g. weight and distance
• Cultural nuances that may be regional rather than country-based
• Technical jargon
• Adapting the user interface of devices and applications
• Any other software a user or administrator might interact with

Beyond optimizing for user adoption, IoT localization can help compliance with local regulations and enhance customer satisfaction in the target market.

As the relatively nascent IoT space begins to mature, effective IoT localization helps enterprises expand their global reach by penetrating new markets and increasing revenue through localized versions of their products.

IoT localization and translation benefits for global business

IoT-enabled translation devices leverage real-time language processing, cloud connectivity, and AI to provide instant, accurate translations. These devices allow users to communicate seamlessly across language barriers, whether for meetings, customer support, or international partnerships.

Some key deployments include:

Smart Hotels

A variant of the Smart Building implementation, smart hotels are one of the most obvious yet exciting IoT translation applications.

Smart hotels are equipped throughout with IoT-enabled devices and features that provide a more personalized and comfortable stay for guests. When the experience is the product, translation can help with better feedback and satisfaction levels.

• Room automation: It’s commonplace today for a traveler to walk into their hotel room and find a greeting in their native language on the TV. But voice assistants like Alexa, Google, and Siri are now so common that guests could control lighting, temperature, and entertainment systems by talking to a smart speaker in their own language. They could even set preferences before arrival via remote check-in.
• Smart concierge: Hotel guests typically rely on the reception or desk clerk to get advice and information but virtual assistants could also provide recommendations for local dining, attractions, and transportation in the guest’s native language.

AI-powered tour guides

The Walkman type pre-recorded guides commonly seen at tourist attractions could be replaced by portable or wearable AI-assistant devices issued at the hotel or even the airport. These devices could help travelers access tourist information more efficiently than ever and in their own language.

Smart kiosks

A counterpart to portable devices, IoT-enabled smart kiosks equipped with AI assistants could occupy fixed locations at airports, hotels, and tourist attractions to provide real-time information in any language.

Interactive museums

Already museums are embracing IoT and translation technology to create more engaging and immersive experiences, catering to visitors in their native tongue.

Real-time translation devices

Portable or wearable gadgets are now capable of providing real-time language translation to help tourists and business travelers communicate more easily with locals.

Example devices include: 

• Vasco Translator V4
• Jarvisen Translator 2
• Pocketalk

To learn more about cutting-edge IoT connectivity and device design solutions that drive real-time, multilingual communication, talk to Eseye.

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Eseye

IoT Hardware and Connectivity Specialists

LinkedIn

Eseye brings decades of end-to-end expertise to integrate and optimise IoT connectivity delivering near 100% uptime. From idea to implementation and beyond, we deliver lasting value from IoT. Nobody does IoT better.

In this article

• The global language barrier and IoT’s role in bridging it
• How IoT translation devices work
• Localization in IoT deployments
• IoT localization and translation benefits for global business