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About this pilot

Auckland Transport (AT) is partnering with Kara Technologies to pilot a new, AI-powered system that converts written text into New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) video messages.

During this pilot, some train disruption alerts in the AT Mobile app will include a link to an NZSL video. 

The NZSL videos will translate written disruption messages into NZSL using a digital avatar. The videos will open through a separate web link and aim to help Deaf passengers access important, timely travel updates in their first language. 

This pilot will run for 3 months from the middle of June and will only apply to Western Line train services.

This is the first pilot of this technology in Aotearoa and the Southern Hemisphere. 

AT and Kara Technologies want to understand whether the NZSL messages are clear, accurate, useful and how the system could improve in the future. Community feedback will help shape what happens next.

What we are testing

During the pilot, disruption notifications for western line train services will include a link to an NZSL translation. 

These alerts may include train delays, cancellations, replacement buses, track work and other service disruptions. 

When you open the NZSL link, you will see a video of AT’s digital avatar signing the information in NZSL. 

Public transport language includes many specific terms, as well as station and place names. Because of this, Kara Technologies has worked closely with Deaf NZSL experts to create accurate transport‑related signs.

This pilot is testing whether AI-generated NZSL alerts can provide fast, clear and useful information for Deaf public transport users.  

With help from the Deaf community in Auckland, AT and Kara Tech have developed a digital human. This digital human will deliver AT’s disruption messages in NZSL in real time.

The community have named this avatar Tūī.

How the technology works

Kara Technologies works with Deaf NZSL experts to build and review the sign language system used in Kara Auto Translate (KAT). 

The NZSL sign library is created using motion capture (MoCap) technology. 

Native Deaf signers perform each sign while wearing MoCap sensors that record hand shapes, movements, facial expressions and body movement. 

The recordings are reviewed and added into Kara’s NZSL database. 

When written English text is entered into the system, KAT uses this sign database to generate NZSL videos. 

This approach helps create more accurate and authentic NZSL translations.

Benefits of the pilot

Deaf people need access to fast and accessible information, especially during unexpected travel disruptions or emergencies. 

Most transport alerts are currently shared only in written English. 

For many Deaf people, English is a second language, while NZSL is their first language. 

Unlike spoken and written languages, NZSL cannot easily be translated instantly using standard online translation tools. 

Kara Technologies has developed Kara Auto Translate (KAT), an AI-powered system that can convert written English into NZSL video content within minutes.

This technology aims to:

  • improve accessibility
  • reduce communication barriers
  • provide information in NZSL faster
  • support more equal access to public transport information.

This pilot aims to make public transport information more accessible for Auckland’s Deaf community.

If successful, Deaf passengers may be able to:

  • receive disruption information in NZSL
  • understand service changes more quickly
  • make travel decisions with more confidence
  • access information in one of New Zealand’s official languages.

The pilot will also help AT better understand the accessibility needs of Deaf passengers.

We want your feedback

We want to hear from Deaf passengers and the wider Deaf community. See our video on how to get the AT Mobile app on your device and sign up for alerts for the western line train services.

We want feedback about: 

  • accuracy of the NZSL 
  • clarity of the information 
  • ease of understanding 
  • usefulness of the alerts 
  • overall experience using the system.

Your feedback will help improve the technology and guide future decisions.

How to give feedback 

 You can share your feedback by: 

After the 3‑month pilot, AT and Kara Technologies will review all feedback and analyse the pilot results. They will then share a report with stakeholders and decide on possible future improvements or expansion.

Feedback closes on 1 September 2026.

How to participate in the pilot

We encourage everyone fluent in NZSL to take part in the pilot and provide feedback. You’ll need the AT Mobile app and alerts turned on to receive NZSL notifications.

If you do not have the AT Mobile app, you can download it from the App Store or Google Play.

To receive NZSL alerts in the AT Mobile app:

1. Open the AT Mobile app and tap the bell icon at the top of the screen (Alerts).

2. From the Alerts screen, select Service alert settings.

3. Turn on Automatic alerts — this allows the app to send you disruption notifications.

4. Choose which routes you want alerts for — select Specific routes, then choose the West train route.

Once you have followed this process, you'll get an alert if there are any planned or unplanned disruptions on the Western line railway.

During the pilot period, this notification will include a link to an NZSL video of the message.
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