Google Singapore: Building a More Inclusive Society with AI

Communication is integral to how we form connections, express ourselves, understand others, and be understood. However, individuals with non-standard speech often find it much more difficult to do so.

Project Relate – Helping Every Voice be Heard

Project Relate, a speech-to-text app developed by Google and beta tested in partnership with MINDS, was developed with this mind.

“When people don’t understand me, I repeat and repeat,” shares Allan Cai, a beta tester of the Project Relate app.

The app’s three core functions – Listen, Repeat, and “Voice Typing” – allows individuals like Allan to communicate with others more easily. For example, Allan can have his speech transcribed into text or have his words repeated in a clear, computerised voice to others. Using just their voice, users can dictate in apps such as Google Docs, Gmail, Google Translate, or in any other location in which they will use a keyboard, all using their voice.

As someone who loves to express his thoughts, Allan has enjoyed a greater sense of autonomy and developed more meaningful connections since he began using the app.

Making a Difference for People with Disabilities

Instead of basing its algorithm on standard speech recognition and typical samples, Project Relate is custom trained on each of its users’ unique speech patterns. Every user can submit samples of their voice to create a personalised speech recognition model that more accurately understands their speech.

“I want to tell the world and my friends to speak up,” Allan says, and Project Relate has empowered him to do that!

Given the app’s focus on American-centric language and phrases, Google has also helped to bridge the app for local users by including everyday Singaporean greetings and phrases. Training sessions were also organised together with MINDS, enabling local caregivers and volunteers to support persons with non-standard speech in using the Project Relate app.

Enhancing Inclusivity Through AI

Project Relate is one example in which AI can be used to empower persons with disabilities (PWDs) and build a better, more inclusive society.

Ben King, Managing Director at Google Singapore, said, “We believe AI has the potential to build an inclusive future, and innovations like Project Relate demonstrate how we can harness its power to improve lives and democratise opportunities for everyone, particularly those with disabilities. We are encouraged that Project Relate aligns with Singapore’s refreshed Smart Nation 2.0 vision and we're committed to ensuring AI is universally accessible and beneficial to everyone."

Following the success of the beta testing phase, Google has launched the Project Relate app in the Play Store in late 2024. Moving forward, Google is looking to partner with more organisations to bring the benefits of this app to a wider audience.