October 2021 Summaries

The Cambridge-based company Speechmatics has launched its 'Autonomous Speech Recognition' software, which uses self-supervised learning techniques and deep learning to improve the accuracy of speech recognition technology. The technology reduces speech recognition errors for African American voices by 45% compared to Amazon, Apple, Google, and Microsoft, achieving an overall accuracy of 82.8%. This breakthrough enables a more comprehensive representation of all voices and dramatically reduces AI bias and errors in speech recognition. The software also outperforms competitors on children's voices, recording 91.8% accuracy. Speechmatics' technology is trained on huge amounts of unlabelled data from the internet, such as social media content and podcasts, to deliver a far more comprehensive representation of all voices.

Speechmatics is a company that focuses on developing advanced speech-to-text technology. Their VP of Machine Learning, Will Williams, has been with the company for over eight years and has worked on various projects to improve their machine learning capabilities. He emphasizes the importance of representation learning in improving the accuracy of speech recognition systems. The team at Speechmatics is driven by research and development and focuses on tackling complex problems such as language models and acoustic models. Will Williams looks for individuals with a desire to learn, grit, and collaboration skills when hiring for machine learning roles. His goal for the future is to achieve true intelligence in machine learning, where models can encounter new information and respond intelligently, rather than just relying on pre-programmed answers.

Integrating new technology into a business can be daunting, but breaking it down into five clear steps can make the process feel more manageable. To start, it's essential to clearly define your needs and expectations from speech-to-text technology, considering factors like data security obligations. Next, trial the technology in your own environment to gain a deeper understanding of its capabilities and limitations. Once satisfied with the technology, seek smooth integration into your workflow or service, discussing practical barriers and support options with your vendor. Building the right relationships with a reliable partner is also crucial, as they should be able to provide adequate support throughout your journey. Finally, prepare to evolve by staying up-to-date with the latest innovations and advancements in speech-to-text technology, ensuring you can reap maximum financial rewards. By following these steps, businesses can maximize their return on investment from speech-to-text technology.