Virtual interpreters a possibility?

Saw this article on BBS news: Technique links words to signing

The system, called SiSi (Say It Sign It) was created by a group of students in the UK.

SiSi will enable deaf people to have simultaneous sign language interpretations of meetings and presentations.

It uses speech recognition to animate a digital character or avatar.

IBM says its technology will allow for interpretation in situations where a human interpreter is not available.

It could also be used to provide automatic signing for television, radio and telephone calls.

Cool concept but for some reason, I still prefer word-by-word translation and keep ASL to social—to have a conversation with other signers.