A New Zealand initiative uses AI and motion-capture to create a digital library of 10,000 NZSL signs, launching in 2026 to improve access to critical information for Deaf citizens.

The Deaf and Hard of Hearing Foundation is partnering with Kara Technologies to launch a digital library of New Zealand Sign Language using motion-capture and AI avatars to digitize over 10,000 signs, aiming to improve access to vital information like emergency alerts and medical updates. The project, a world-first, integrates te reo Māori concepts and prioritizes cultural accuracy through input from the Deaf community, including a public event in Christchurch. It is designed to complement, not replace, human interpreters and supports independent access to information for Deaf New Zealanders, with a planned 2026 release.