#Taiwan #Kaohsiung #MIRDC #AI Therapy #Speech-Language

MIRDC's Dual Recognition for AI-Guided Speech-Language Therapy

In a remarkable achievement, the Metal Industries Research and Development Centre (MIRDC) has secured two prestigious R&D 100 Awards, acknowledging its innovative AI-Guided Interactive Speech-Language Therapy System. Awarded in both the Software/Services category and the Special Recognition for Corporate Social Responsibility category, this recognition is a testament to MIRDC's commitment to improving healthcare technologies.

Addressing a Critical Need

Taiwan faces a significant shortage of certified speech-language pathologists, with only around 2,200 professionals available to assist hundreds of thousands of children grappling with speech delays and autism spectrum disorders. This scarcity of resources poses a serious risk, potentially leading many children to miss crucial windows of opportunity for language development. Traditional therapy methods have primarily targeted articulation and pronunciation, making little progress in enhancing children's oral expression and comprehension.

In response to this pressing issue, MIRDC has developed the AI-Guided Interactive Speech-Language Therapy System, which provides a continuous, personalized, and clinically grounded therapeutic approach. By integrating game-based therapy modules, generative AI-driven insights, and ongoing language assessments, the system offers children an engaging framework to develop essential communication skills.

Gamified Learning Experience

The therapy system incorporates gamified modules that seamlessly intertwine clinically validated methods, such as imitation exercises, picture cards, and interactive prompts, into structured game levels designed to meet specific therapy objectives. Focus areas include naming, sentence formulation, comprehension, and response. This progressive curriculum supports children in incrementally building their language skills.

What sets this system apart is its AI-driven functionality—capable of interpreting a child’s responses in real time. By harnessing conversational context, the system generates personalized therapeutic guidance tailored to each child's needs, utilizing techniques like imitation, modeling, and expansion. This interaction fosters an effective home practice environment, maintaining engagement outside of formal therapy sessions.

Upon completion of each session, the system autonomously conducts a comprehensive language assessment. By evaluating performance through 20 objective indicators across key areas such as semantics, syntax, and pragmatics, it provides invaluable data to clinicians and parents. This evidence-based insight facilitates a clearer understanding of each child’s progress and the overall effectiveness of the therapy being administered.

Impact and Future Aspirations

MIRDC’s receipt of two R&D 100 Awards, particularly the Silver Award for Corporate Social Responsibility, has further galvanized the organization’s commitment to advancing inclusive healthcare solutions. This achievement reinforces the original mission of the project—to empower every child to find their voice and connect meaningfully with the world around them.

As MIRDC looks to the future, the organization remains steadfast in its dedication to fostering innovative digital health solutions, continuing to enhance communication and learning opportunities for children's development through technology. The recognition from the R&D 100 Awards serves not only as an accolade but as a powerful motivator for ongoing research and development efforts within the realm of healthcare technology.

Through initiatives like the AI-Guided Interactive Speech-Language Therapy System, MIRDC is paving the way for more inclusive, effective solutions that can significantly improve the quality of life for children facing communication challenges.



By receiving such honors, MIRDC emphasizes its leadership and commitment to achieving greater social good, aiming to elevate healthcare standards for children everywhere.