Jakarta, INTI – The use of artificial intelligence (AI) technology is increasingly becoming a strategic focus to expand accessibility for people with disabilities. On Wednesday, October 8, 2025, the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) introduced innovative research in the form of speech recognition and facial expression recognition aimed at facilitating communication and daily interactions. With this technology, people with disabilities can communicate more naturally and efficiently without needing to touch or look at a device, while also opening new opportunities in education, employment, and social activities. This innovation is expected to address gaps in technology access, provide solutions adaptable to various user conditions, and strengthen collaboration between the government, researchers, and disability communities.
AI Helps Communication for People with Disabilities
Principal Researcher at PRKAKS BRIN, Hilman Ferdinandus Pardede, explained that speech recognition makes it easier for people with hearing difficulties to communicate more humanely. "No need to touch or look; just use your voice," he said. However, this research still faces major challenges, including adaptation to different accents, environmental noise, and diverse user conditions. Hilman emphasized the importance of resource-efficient innovations so that the technology can be widely accessible, including for users with basic devices.
Facial Expressions as an Alternative Communication Tool
Meanwhile, Gembong Satrio Wibowanto, Senior Engineer at PRKAKS BRIN, highlighted facial expression recognition (FER). This technology can serve as an alternative communication method for individuals with verbal limitations. BRIN's research focuses on developing an adaptive system capable of working in real-time, accurately detecting users’ emotions, and creating empathetic interactions between humans and machines. "FER is expected to enhance interaction and communication abilities for people with disabilities," said Gembong.
Technology Access for Everyone
Head of PRKAKS BRIN, Anto Satriyo Nugroho, stressed that technology must be accessible to everyone without exception. Existing innovations, such as screen readers for the visually impaired and speech recognition for those with hearing difficulties, demonstrate how AI can support the daily activities of people with disabilities and enhance their independence.
Rights Perspective in Technology Development
Rachmita Maun Harahap, Commissioner of the National Commission on Disabilities, emphasized that technology is not merely an act of charity but a tool to promote equality. Various AI innovations, such as speech-to-text and text-to-speech, have opened new opportunities for visually and hearing-impaired individuals not only in communication but also in education and employment. Rachmita highlighted the importance of involving the disability community in the research process, along with supportive public policies, to ensure a truly inclusive technology ecosystem.
Conclusion
Through AI-based research, BRIN demonstrates a concrete commitment to supporting people with disabilities through technological innovation. From speech recognition to facial expression detection, this technology not only facilitates communication but also broadens access to education, employment, and social interaction. The success of this research represents a significant step toward a fair, inclusive, and universally accessible technology ecosystem.
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