#Taiwan #AI Innovation #Kaohsiung #MIRDC #Speech Therapy

Celebrating Innovation in Speech-Language Therapy

Introduction
On November 24, 2025, the Metal Industries Research and Development Centre (MIRDC) proudly announced that it has been awarded two esteemed R&D 100 Awards for its groundbreaking AI-guided interactive speech-language therapy system. These accolades underscore MIRDC's dedication to enhancing health technologies and emphasize the importance of bridging gaps in speech-language services for children in need.

The Challenge
Taiwan currently faces a critical shortage of certified speech therapists, with only approximately 2,200 professionals available to serve hundreds of thousands of children who struggle with speech delays and autism spectrum disorders. This scarcity poses a severe risk to these children's ability to develop essential language skills during their critical developmental windows. The existing therapeutic tools primarily focus on articulation and pronunciation, leaving significant gaps in improving expressive language and comprehension skills.

Introducing the AI-Guided System
To address this pressing issue, MIRDC has developed an AI-Guided Interactive Speech-Language Therapy System, which provides personalized, clinically grounded solutions. This innovative system combines game-based therapy modules, AI-driven generative guidance, and post-session language evaluations. The gamified modules utilize clinically validated approaches, including imitation exercises, visual aids, illustrated storybooks, and conversational prompts, all offered in engaging game formats targeting specific therapeutic goals such as naming, sentence formulation, comprehension, and response.

The AI component analyzes children's responses in real-time, automatically generating personalized therapeutic guidance like imitation techniques, modeling, expansions, and extensions based on the conversational context. This advanced feature empowers children to achieve accurate and comprehensive verbal expressions, facilitating effective and sustained practice in their home environments.

Data-Driven Results
After each session, the system conducts automated language evaluations, measuring performance through 20 objective indicators spanning semantics, syntax, and pragmatics. This data equips healthcare professionals and parents with clear, evidence-based insights into each child's progress and the overall effectiveness of therapy. The system's design aims to instill motivation and foster improved communication skills, which are crucial for children's development.

Recognition and Future Goals
Receiving two R&D 100 awards, including a Silver Award in the Corporate Social Responsibility category, has strengthened the MIRDC team's resolve to continue innovating in inclusive health technologies. This recognition not only celebrates the technological advancements made but also reaffirms the foundational mission of the project: to assist every child in finding their voice and connecting with the world around them.

MIRDC remains committed to advancing digital health solutions and enhancing children's communication and learning through innovation. The AI-Guided Interactive Speech-Language Therapy System stands as a testament to how technology can make a meaningful impact on the lives of those with speech challenges, contributing to a more inclusive future.

In conclusion, the achievements of MIRDC illustrate the potential of combining technology with healthcare to address critical societal needs, providing hope and solutions through innovation.