AI transcription refers to the use of machine learning and natural language processing to convert spoken participant responses from audio or video recordings into structured, searchable text, without requiring human transcribers. In the context of AI-moderated research, accurate transcription is the prerequisite for every downstream analysis step, including thematic coding, sentiment analysis, and insight synthesis. Modern AI transcription systems handle multiple languages, speaker identification, and varying audio conditions with high accuracy, making them essential for enterprise teams running research across global markets. The quality of transcription directly affects the reliability of qualitative findings, which is why research-grade platforms treat it as a core infrastructure component rather than a peripheral feature.