Portuguese Sign Language Dataset and Recognition Project

PORTSIGN (Portuguese Sign Language Dataset and Recognition Project) aims to develop an open, multimodal dataset for Portuguese Sign Language (LGP) alongside an ethical and inclusive artificial intelligence model capable of accurately recognising and interpreting sign language gestures. Combining computer vision, deep learning and sign language linguistics, the project seeks to enhance communication accessibility and promote the digital inclusion of the Deaf community. Through a participatory approach involving Deaf educators, native signers and interpreters, PORTSIGN will collect, annotate and validate high-quality gesture data, develop hybrid AI recognition models, and demonstrate their application in educational and communication settings. The resulting open-access dataset will serve as a benchmark resource for research in sign language technologies, artificial intelligence and inclusive digital solutions, while strengthening collaboration between the scientific and Deaf communities and fostering more accessible human–machine interaction.