Fluential Develops Speech Translation System for Physical Therapy

Fluential is developing an English/Spanish speech translation system for physical therapy that will enable physical therapists to communicate with their non-English-speaking patients without an interpreter.

The speech translation system, called S-MINDS, is specifically optimized to meet the communication needs of physical therapists. The system is software-based and runs on a small portable computer that weighs about one pound.

"Currently, physical therapists have limited ways to effectively communicate with their non-English-speaking patients. They frequently have to rely on bilingual family members, coworkers or gestures, causing misunderstandings, patient frustration, and reduced productivity," explains Farzad Ehsani, the firm’s CEO. "With S-MINDS, therapists can instantly communicate with their patients, knowing that they, as well as their patients, are getting accurate and unbiased translations."

The therapist can also operate the belt-worn system with voice, having hands and eyes free to fully focus on the patient.

The therapist wears a headset and speaks into the microphone in English. The patient wears a wireless headset and hears an immediate translation. To respond, the patient simply speaks in his native tongue, and the therapist hears an instant English translation.
 
Fluential is working with multiple major U.S. hospitals to develop the speech translation system for physical therapy, and the company plans to complete an English/Spanish system by the end of the year. Fluential plans to add additional languages, including Cantonese, Mandarin, Korean, and Russian, and a speech translation module for occupational therapy.