What is Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR)? A Simple Guide

Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR) is the technology that enables computers to understand and process spoken language. Put simply, it’s what turns your voice into text.

You’ve probably used ASR technology without even thinking about it. When you ask Siri for the weather, speak to Alexa to play music or use voice typing on your phone, ASR is the technology that makes it possible.

How does ASR work?

ASR technology listens to the sounds within speech, breaks this down into small pieces and then matches those pieces to words within its database. 

Early systems relied upon rigid rule-based approaches, but modern ASR systems use advanced machine learning models trained on vast amounts of data. 

The result is more accurate recognition and real-time support.

The process usually involves three steps:

1. The sound is captured via a microphone
2. The audio is processed, analysing the sound waves and removing background noise
3. Advanced algorithms and language models are deployed to figure out what words were spoken

Where is ASR used?

ASR technology has moved far beyond simple dictation. Some of the common contemporary uses include:

• Voice assistants such as Alexa and Siri
• Automated customer service phone systems (voice agents) that understand spoken requests, allowing callers to describe their problem without needing to press numbers and work their way through automated menus
• Transcription tools which convert meetings, lectures and interviews into searchable written records
• Improving accessibility, helping people with hearing loss or mobility difficulties to engage more easily with technology
• Provide a secure verification for payments through voice matching of a unique voiceprint
• Smart devices, ranging from kettles to cars are increasingly supporting voice commands

In the workplace, ASR is becoming commonplace. Doctors use it to dictate notes during patient consultations. Journalists use it to transcribe interviews. Teachers rely on it to make learning materials more accessible.

Why is ASR important?

The main advantage of ASR technology is convenience. Speaking is faster than typing and enables greater multitasking. For busy professionals, this can mean capturing ideas on the go or managing multiple tasks at once. 

The accessibility benefits that ASR offers helps to open up digital services to those who might otherwise struggle with small screens and keyboards. 

Being able to control devices with their voice can transform how they interact with the digital world around them. Likewise, speech-to-text transcription makes it easier for those with hearing impairments to follow conversations, meetings and media content.

From a business perspective, ASR can contribute towards lower costs and improved efficiency. Automated customer service agents can handle large volumes on enquiries without the need for human intervention. In industries such as law, media and media, accurate transcriptions saves hours of manual menial work.

Challenges ahead

Despite its progress, ASR technology is not yet perfect. Accents, background noise and overlapping voices can all pose problems for even the most advanced of systems. 

Specialists such as NetGeist are continuously developing and improving the accuracy of the systems, whilst also making them more robust and adaptable. 

By integrating contextual awareness and natural language processing, ASR is becoming better at not just recognising words, but also understanding context.

For example, if you were to say “I’m going to the bank”, the more advanced ASR systems can use the context provided to decide whether you’re talking about a financial institution or the side of a river.

Custom ASR projects

ASR technology bridges the gap between human speech and computers. As industries increasingly adopt automation into their workflows, the demand for custom ASR solution development will continue to grow. 

NetGeist are helping to shape the future of the technology through the development of custom ASR projects. 

We create tools that automate, process and summarise information, helping businesses to unlock the potential of their data. 

Contact us to discuss your custom project requirements, whether it be one that entails ASR or text-to-speech (TTS) or speech-to-text (STT).