Boostlingo has released its State of Interpreting Technology 2026 Report, revealing significant insights into the current landscape of language access across various modalities, including phone, video, and AI interpreting. The report, based on feedback from over 370 stakeholders, highlights a troubling gap: while access to interpreters has increased, many Limited English Proficient (LEP) individuals still struggle to secure necessary services. Notably, half of the respondents indicated instances where they needed an interpreter but did not receive one, pointing to operational challenges rather than mere supply issues.

The findings underscore that as organizations expand their interpreting channels, they face growing complexities in cost, quality, and coordination. Manual scheduling and inconsistent service quality emerged as top concerns, suggesting that the market’s challenges have evolved beyond just access. Moreover, while AI interpreting is gaining traction, it has not yet reached the adoption levels seen in AI translation, indicating that orchestration of these technologies will be critical for effective language service delivery.

For localization professionals, the report emphasizes the need for AI-driven platforms that can seamlessly integrate various interpreting modalities, ensuring reliable access and improved operational efficiency. This shift towards hybrid operations will be essential for optimizing costs and quality in language access services.

Source: slator.com