Google Gemma Translator: build an offline voice translation device

Google has published instructions for building a voice translation device that works offline. Through this demonstration, the company is showcasing the usefulness of its open Gemma models, as well as the strengths of its Antigravity coding tool, which was used to create the translator’s software.

Want a translation tool that works anywhere, including where there is no internet connection? Gemma Translator, a new device created by Google employees, may be just what you need. Unlike Google Pixel smartphones or the company’s smart speakers, however, this translator is not sold through Google’s website. Gemma Translator is instead an openly available DIY project from the company. To get one, you will need to buy the components and install the software developed by Google.

“All the components are commercially available and easy to find: a Raspberry Pi 5, a power bank, a small touchscreen, a mini speaker and a micro keyboard with a language-selection dial. Everything is housed in a bespoke 3D-printed case,” the company says.

Google explains the entire process on a GitHub page it has published. If you manage to build this small gadget yourself, you will have a portable device capable of translating conversations and, once set up, operating without internet access. You can therefore use translation regardless of your network quality.

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Gemma Translator: an offline DIY translation device

A demonstration of Gemma and Antigravity’s capabilities

Offline operation is possible because, rather than using Gemini, the device relies on Gemma 4 E4B, one of Google’s open models. Gemma 4 E4B can run locally on a small computer, allowing users to access certain AI features without calling on Google’s cloud. Beyond this practical benefit, local models also offer a privacy advantage, as conversation transcripts do not need to be sent to Google’s servers.

With this project, Google is also highlighting the capabilities of Antigravity, its coding tool. As a reminder, it helps developers speed up software creation with assistance from artificial intelligence models.

What we think

Google regularly releases DIY projects designed to showcase its latest technologies. One of its best-known DIY initiatives was Cardboard, which offered a small virtual-reality experience using a cardboard box, lenses and a smartphone screen.

When it was promoting Google Assistant, which has now been replaced by Gemini, Google also published instructions enabling anyone to build a smart speaker connected to that voice assistant.