Sorenson Acquires OmniBridge and Hand Talk to Develop Automated Sign Language Translation Capabilities

Combination of market-leading AI-driven sign language recognition and generation will transform options and services available to Deaf and hard-of-hearing people

SALT LAKE CITY, Jan. 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Sorenson, the no. 1 global provider of communications solutions for the Deaf and hard-of-hearing and one of the largest language translation companies, today announced the acquisition of OmniBridge, an Intel internal venture, and Hand Talk, a leader in AI/machine-learning (ML)-based sign language translation, to accelerate company innovation in AI-driven automated sign language translation.

"OmniBridge is an AI-driven sign language translation technology that enables bi-directional, real-time conversations between people who use American Sign Language (ASL) and those who speak English, and Hand Talk is a pioneer in using AI and ML to generate automated sign language translations through digital avatars," said Paget L. Alves, CEO of Sorenson. "Together, these acquisitions provide Sorenson with complementary capabilities and qualified teams to continue our work in building innovative, AI-driven products that fill critical communications gaps for our customers."

"As a Deaf person and co-founder of OmniBridge, I know the importance of bridging the gap between signed and spoken language," said Adam Munder, General Manager of OmniBridge. "OmniBridge uses the power of AI-driven machine-learning technology to create more inclusive experiences where conversations can be fully understood regardless of the person's hearing abilities, particularly in situations or locations where access to interpreters is not possible." 

"The joining of Hand Talk and Sorenson blends cutting-edge technology and tremendous industry experience," said Ronaldo Tenorio, CEO of Hand Talk. "Our coming together creates important options in removing communication barriers for the world's Deaf community."

Sorenson is uniquely positioned to further develop this technology. To effectively develop automated sign language translation, it is imperative to understand how to complement the interpreter's role in serving the Deaf community. Sorenson is the leading provider of Video Relay Services (VRS) and the largest private employer of sign language interpreters. "We are committed to the essential role of human interpretation and will continue to invest in our interpreters," said Alves.
New AI language technologies hold the possibility of dramatically impacting how businesses operate, offering opportunities to enhance customer and employee experiences, drive efficiencies and scale in ways previously unimaginable.

Read: New Sorenson CEO Outlines 2025 Growth Strategy

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About Sorenson
Sorenson is one of the world's leading language services providers, combining patented technology with human-centric solutions. We strive to increase diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility for underrepresented people through communication solutions for all: call captioning and video relay services, video remote and in-person sign language and spoken language interpreting, translation, real-time captioning, and post-production language services. Our company impact extends beyond the connections we support. Under Sorenson's Impact and ESG Vision and Action Plan, we're reviewing our carbon footprint, addressing accessibility and advancement barriers for Deaf employees, and implementing a supplier diversity program. Sorenson is a minority-owned company committed to expanding opportunities for underserved communities and championing a culture of belonging. For more information on how we advance human connection, visit sorenson.com or es.sorenson.com.

Sorenson Press Contact
Nathaniel Free
Sr. Manager of PR and Brand
Sorenson | (385) 789-4641
[email protected] 

FCC rules permit you to port your telephone number to the VRS provider of your choice. If you request a new number, Sorenson will provide you with one for the geographic area where you live or work. To ensure proper routing of 911 calls, it is important that you provide, and update in the event it changes, the physical address (i.e., the Registered Location) from which you are placing the call. You can update your Registered Location in your device settings or by calling (866) 756-6729. To learn how to update on your device visit https://sorenson.com/vrs/vrs/manage-account/. Emergency calls made via internet-based TRS may not function the same as traditional E911 service. For example, you may not be able to dial 911 if there is an internet-service failure or if you lose electrical power, and your 911 call may not be routed correctly if you have not updated your Registered Location. Hearing point-to-point video users will not be able to place emergency calls. For more information on the process of obtaining ten-digit numbers and the limitations and risks associated with using Sorenson's VRS to place a 911 call, please visit Sorenson's website: sorenson.com/legal. For information on toll-free numbering, please visit https://sorenson.com/vrs/toll-free-numbers/.

SOURCE Sorenson