Kazakhstan Develops National AI Technologies That Work Offline

• Kazakhstan reveals five AI systems that work offline.
• Oylan 2.5 supports multiple languages including Kazakh.
• MangiSoz 2.0 converts speech into text with translations.
• Beynele turns text into traditional Kazakh-style images.
• Funding from the Nazarbayev Foundation aids AI development.

Kazakhstan’s AI Innovations Without Internet Dependency

Kazakhstan is making strides in the artificial intelligence sector with new technologies developed at Nazarbayev University’s Institute of Smart Systems and Artificial Intelligence (ISSAI). Announced recently, the five innovative AI systems are crafted to function without internet connectivity, making them particularly relevant for local users who may not have access to constant online resources. They all support the Kazakh language and are tailored to the national context, reflecting the unique culture and needs of the Kazakh people.

Key Systems Include Multilingual Smart Assistants

Among the standout technologies is Oylan 2.5, a multilingual smart assistant adept in Kazakh, Russian, and English. This assistant can process a variety of inputs — text, voice, and images — and even reads Kazakh that’s written in the Latin alphabet, as reported by Kazinform. Another system, named MangiSoz 2.0, takes things further, by converting speech to text along with providing audio translations across several languages including Turkish and Chinese. Then there’s TilSync, which offers real-time video translation in the form of subtitles, making it particularly useful for online education settings or conferences.

Cultural Representation Meets Offline Functionality

In a delightful turn, Beynele turns written text into visually captivating images inspired by traditional Kazakh art, which could be monumental for cultural representation. Meanwhile, the Mangitas 02 serves as a robust local server to ensure users can operate AI seamlessly offline, a response to heightened data protection concerns. Currently, four of these systems are operational on the ISSAI platform, with the remaining one expected to launch by year-end. The services offer initial free usage, such as 250,000 tokens on Oylan 2.5, enough for an average user for about six months before costs arise for additional tokens, priced at 4,000 tenge ($7.5) per million.

Homegrown Technology Supported by Local Innovation

Hussein Atakan Varol, CEO of ISSAI, has stressed that these technologies were developed entirely by local researchers and engineers in Kazakhstan, underscoring national capability and innovation. The financial backing for this ambitious project came from the Nazarbayev Foundation, remarkably without a cent from the national budget, showcasing a shift as the institute operates now as a private entity. As they set out to enhance these systems further, ISSAI aims to secure more scientific grants, particularly as they march forward with innovative solutions tailored for local users who demand effective AI solutions, all while maintaining a strong cultural significance.

Kazakhstan’s push into offline AI technologies signifies not only a technological advancement but also highlights the importance of cultural relevance and local expertise. With systems like Oylan 2.5 and MangiSoz 2.0, they are addressing both educational and practical needs without the dependency on constant internet access. This strategic move could set a precedent for how countries can develop homegrown technologies that resonate with their unique societal requirements.