World's first indigenous language robot interpreter

Morning Report · Sep 20, 2026 · 8m

There is no official Maori sign language but increasingly, signs for Maori concepts are being used within New Zealand Sign Language, as Turi Maori, Maori who are deaf, gain more chances to participate and acquire cultural knowledge in te ao Maori. Thanks to robotics and language researchers at the University of Auckland, the world's first robotic interpreter of an indigenous language could provide another chance to help Turi Maori. The project, led by Doctors Ho Seok Ahn and Tauwehe Tamati, involves humanoid robots who can sign using Maori concepts. Dr Tamati spoke to John Campbell.