The Walkie-Talkie Translator: A Game-Changer for Frontline Teams
In recent news, Relay Inc. has launched an innovative new device called the RelayX that is set to revolutionize communication for frontline teams across industries like manufacturing, warehousing, hospitality and healthcare. One of the standout features of the RelayX is its built-in walkie-talkie translator called TeamTranslate™, which allows users to instantly translate voice communications into over 30 languages in real-time.
Walkie-talkies have a long history dating back to the 1930s when they were first developed for military use. Over the decades, they evolved to become smaller, more durable, and packed with features. They are now ubiquitous tools used by businesses and organizations where workers need to stay in constant communication but may be out of mobile phone or WiFi range.
However, one major limitation of traditional walkie-talkies is the language barrier. In an increasingly globalized workforce, teams often include members who speak different native languages. This can lead to miscommunication, reduced productivity, and even safety hazards on the job. The RelayX with TeamTranslate™ aims to break down that barrier.
How does the walkie-talkie translator work?
It’s actually quite simple from the user’s perspective. In the Relay account portal, an administrator selects a default language for each user from a list of over 30 options. From that point on, when that user receives a message, the RelayX automatically translates it in real-time into their default language. The user hears the message in their own language, while their replies get translated back for the other party. It all happens seamlessly in the background.
Under the hood, TeamTranslate™ leverages advanced AI language processing to provide accurate and natural-sounding translations almost instantly. It builds on technology Relay first introduced in April 2023 and has now optimized for the speed and clarity required for walkie-talkie conversations.
But the translation feature is just one part of what makes the RelayX a potential game-changer for frontline teams. The device also boasts unprecedented network connectivity, utilizing multiple 4G/5G cellular networks, private LTE, LoRa, and WiFi to create a resilient web of coverage. This is crucial for large job sites where traditional radios often struggle with dead zones.
The RelayX is also extremely rugged, rated IP68 for dust and water resistance. It can withstand drops, submersion, and harsh environments. This durability is paired with loud, clear audio through its dual speakers, three digital mics, and advanced noise cancellation – essential for busy and noisy facilities.
For workers, the RelayX is designed to be simple to use with minimal training, featuring a high-contrast OLED display for easy visibility indoors or out. For businesses, Relay aims to make ownership worry-free, with a 3-year limited warranty that includes device upgrades.
Early adopters are already seeing the benefits. Frank Debellis, Inventory Manager at food distributor Ace Endico, noted the improvements in cell service, sound quality, and the usefulness of the translation for onboarding new hires who may not be fluent in English. Gary Peloso, Food Safety Manager at Ace Endico, highlighted how the RelayX has “significantly improved our safety and security” with its built-in panic alert feature.
At JET Hotel Solutions (https://www.jethotelsolutions.com), a leading supplier of housekeeper staff duress systems for the hospitality industry, we see tremendous potential for the RelayX to enhance staff safety and communication. Features like real-time location tracking, geofencing, and one-touch alerts align perfectly with our own solutions for staff duress alerts (https://www.jethotelsolutions.com/relay-family/). The addition of instant language translation could be invaluable for hotels and resorts with international staff.
The launch of the RelayX comes at a time when Relay is experiencing rapid growth, now deployed in over 5,000 businesses nationwide. The company recently raised $42 million in Series B funding to continue expanding its platform.
As the workforce becomes more diverse and distributed, tools like the RelayX that can bridge language gaps and keep teams connected will become increasingly essential. For frontline industries in particular, the combination of robust connectivity, durability, and translation capabilities could unlock new levels of efficiency, safety, and inclusion.
While the walkie-talkie translator is still a novel concept, it has the potential to become a standard expectation in frontline communications over the coming years, just as traditional walkie-talkies became ubiquitous in the past decades. Companies like JET Hotel Solutions will be watching this space closely and working to integrate breakthroughs like the RelayX into our own offerings to continue improving safety and performance for our clients.
If your business employs a multilingual frontline workforce and could benefit from rugged, reliable, instantly translating walkie-talkies, contact us at www.jethotelsolutions.com. We’d be happy to discuss how solutions like the RelayX could work together with our housekeeper staff duress system to meet your communication and safety needs. The future is now – let’s connect.