Global Market For Translation Devices Set To Hit $2.5bn By 2030

The global market for language translation devices is set to hit 2.5billion US Dollars by 2030, according to a study by Global Market Insights Inc.

According to this report, this growth will be driven by surging numbers of intra-European tourists in conjunction with stringent EU-wide requirements and regulations regarding medical procedures. As more and more medical specialists are being trained to accommodate the needs of patients of different nationalities, there is greater demand for swift and accurate translation. This ensures that patients receive a universally high standard of medical care across Europe.

What is driving this growth?

Artificial intelligence, augmented reality, wearable technology and the 'Internet of Things' are the main drivers of this growth. Indeed, the wearable technology segment of the market is anticipated to grow by almost 15% by 2030. 

While the internet (and data streaming services such as 5G) are readily available in the developed world, a drive towards tourism in remote areas is also fuelling demand. As a result, the market for translation technology which works offline is set to grow by almost 10% by 2030.

More conventional tourism is also driving growth, with retail expected to create further demand for translation devices as tourism continues to rise post-COVID.

Finally, as incomes rise in the Middle East & Africa, and the UAE's status as a global tourism hub area also drives demand. 

What does this mean?

While we're all accustomed to smartphone apps such as Google Translate, which do a reasonable job, there are still drawbacks. Having to manually type words and phrases and receiving a non-idiomatic translation in return can almost negate the benefit of the translation itself. Other devices such as Pockettalk, iFlytek's devices and Cheetahtalk provide real-time audio translation as well as language learning services.

Pockettalk also handles translation of written material (as do some smartphone apps) however, the price tag makes these suitable for only the most frequent travellers or as an enterprise solution.

In any event, it is unlikely that these devices will supplant the need for interpreters, particularly where a degree of precision and exactitude is required, such as in legal translations. 

The day may not be too far off when a real-life Babelfish is created. We may be able to seamlessly hear and speak foreign languages through a small, unintrusive device; however, as discussed elsewhere on this site, law is  replete with terms of art, liberal use of other languages (such as French and Latin) and relies heavily on interpretation. It is unlikely that technology will ever sufficiently replace expert legal translators. And until it does, IMD Legal Translation and Interpreting Ltd is here to provide you with accurate legal translation across all legal practice areas performed by qualified and experienced professionals. Because in legal matters, language matters.

IMD Legal Translation and Interpreting Ltd was established by solicitors for solicitors. If you have a legal document or evidence required for use in court that requires translation, such as a witness statement, we are here for you. Get in touch and speak with us now.