Learning Labs launches instant translation app

BIRMINGHAM-based Learning Labs has developed new technology to provide an instant translation in more than 40 languages when any object is scanned via its Flashsticks smartphone app.

The app complements the firm’s core product range of printed FlashSticks Post-it Notes which contain a foreign word, translation, visual icon and phonetic to help with pronunciation.

It took the Innovation Birmingham Campus-based firm 12 months to develop the technology behind the app. The complex algorithms means that the object being scanned does not need to have been seen by the system’s image processor before – a written and audio description will be generated for any recognisable object. 

Veejay Lingiah, CEO of Learning Labs said: “The concept behind the newly launched FlashSticks app is to make learning a language fun, accessible, interactive and effective through the use of innovative technology.

“If you scan a handbag via the app, it can tell you that it’s a red leather women’s handbag and translate that into over 40 foreign languages, together with audio options to help with pronunciation.

“If you scan your pet dog, the algorithms we have developed for the app are so comprehensive it will tell you the breed of dog in the foreign language you are learning.

The FlashSticks app also enables users to learn grammar tips and take on challenges to progress their learning in their chosen foreign language. It keeps track of how many words you know, as a form of blended learning. 
 
Since Flashsticks products were first launched onto the market in 2013, more than 150,000 packs have been ordered.

The start-up has secured over £500,000 of investment to forward fund production costs, further develop the product in many more languages and fund development of the new app.