New York University Abu Dhabi has introduced ChatSign, an innovative platform driven by artificial intelligence, aimed at enhancing communication for individuals with hearing disabilities. By enabling real-time translations from spoken language to sign language, it bridges communication barriers between Deaf, Hard-of-Hearing, and hearing individuals.
Developed at NYU Abu Dhabi under the guidance of Yi Fang, an Associate Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering and the Director of the Embodied AI & Robotics Lab, ChatSign was co-founded by CEO Zhifei Maggie Li and Chief Product Officer Zhenhua Li.
The AI system effectively translates spoken English and Arabic into sign language instantly, accommodating both American Sign Language and Emirati Sign Language, thus facilitating smoother interactions in various settings. Future enhancements are anticipated, including functionalities for sign-to-speech and text-to-sign translations.
As highlighted by Fabio Piano, the Interim Vice Chancellor at NYU Abu Dhabi, ChatSign embodies the university’s mission of transforming research and innovation into practical solutions for societal challenges.
Designed for applications in diverse sectors such as government, education, healthcare, tourism, and transportation, the platform aims to address the persistent issue of limited access to sign language interpreters, which are often cost-prohibitive or unavailable on demand.
Founder Yi Fang envisions a future where sign language accessibility matches the ease of smartphone communication. He emphasized that the technology is crafted to foster inclusive communication on a widespread scale.
Launched as a research initiative in 2024, ChatSign rapidly evolved into a functioning commercial prototype. The patented technology was put to the test during a live campus event in late 2025, where it provided real-time sign language translation to over 200 participants.
Furthermore, ChatSign will play a vital role in NYU Abu Dhabi’s 2026 Commencement Ceremony by offering live translation services for attendees.
The tool has already made impressive appearances at events like Make it in the Emirates, Dubai AI Week, and AccessAbilities Expo, and has reached the semi-finals of the GITEX Expand North Star competition.
Maggie Li, co-founder, stated that the team’s focus has been on creating a fast, straightforward, and efficient system that performs well in real-world scenarios. The goal is to roll out ChatSign devices globally in the next decade to enhance accessibility for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing communities.
Currently, the company is engaged with partners for data acquisition, validation of technology, and pilot projects across various sectors. ChatSign aims to increase its presence in the UAE before branching out internationally in the coming years.
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