When technology becomes an interpreter: AT&S makes the world understandable

To mark UNESCO World Mother Language Day on February 21, AT&S is demonstrating how powerful microelectronics can help break down language barriers. AT&S technology is at the heart of modern AI systems that translate language in real time and bring people closer together.

Leoben, February 19, 2026 – Modern AI systems make it possible to translate spoken language in real time. The technology is now compact and fast enough that it can be integrated directly into headphones to simultaneously translate conversations into the user’s native language. AT&S technology plays a central role here in several ways. On the one hand, the company’s high-performance IC substrates enable the tight integration of AI chips, sensors, audio modules and high-frequency components in a very small space, thus creating the technical basis for “AI on Device”. On the other hand, AT&S technology plays a key role in modern AI chips and in the power supply of data centers where language models are trained for translation.

“Miniaturization is crucial so that translation models can be executed directly in the ear,” says AT&S CTO Peter Griehsnig. “Only high-performance substrates enable extremely short signal paths, high computing power and energy-efficient architecture, which is a prerequisite for stable functionality and genuine real-time communication.”

Native language at the touch of a button

Technical advances from AT&S help modern headphones with simultaneous translation function achieve low latency times of around 0.5 seconds. This preserves the natural dynamics of conversation even in demanding environments and makes these systems suitable for the mass market. Manufacturers such as Apple, Google, Samsung and Timekettle are experiencing steadily growing demand, and the rapid development of AI-on-Device solutions means that real-time translation will soon become a standard function for headphones. Earlier models often delivered the translation after more than a second, the AT&S substrate architecture enables direct, fast processing of speech, seamless coupling of audio and computing modules and reliable performance even in demanding environments. AT&S is thus not only creating the hardware basis for the rapidly growing market but is also strengthening the global supply chain for a key technology that will continue to grow rapidly in importance in the coming years.

According to current estimates, the global market volume for translator earbuds is currently around USD 285 million. A forecast by Verified Market Research assumes a volume of USD 3.5 billion by 2032, which corresponds to an annual growth rate of 20 percent. As a major player in the development of modern AI systems, AT&S is ideally positioned to benefit from these developments and is celebrating Mother Tongue Day on February 21 with over 50 languages represented in the company and without any translation problems.

AT&S Austria Technologie & Systemtechnik Aktiengesellschaft – Advanced Technologies & Solutions
AT&S is a leading global manufacturer of high-end IC substrates and printed circuit boards. AT&S develops and produces leading-edge interconnect technologies for key digital industries: mobile devices, automotive & aerospace, industrial, medical and high-performance computing for AI applications. With production sites in Austria (Leoben, Fehring), China (Shanghai, Chongqing), Malaysia (Kulim), India (Nanjangud) and a European competence center for R&D and IC substrate production in Leoben, AT&S is actively shaping the digital transformation – through forward-looking investments in research and development and the responsible use of resources. The company currently employs around 13,000 people.

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