Smart gloves translating sign language speech real time

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Smart gloves: Translating sign language into speech in real time

The inexpensive technology behind smart gloves is helping the deaf community translate sign language into speech in real time and increase their productivity levels in the workplace.

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Quantumrun Foresight
January 20, 2022

Insight summary

A team of researchers has developed a glove-like device capable of translating American Sign Language (ASL) into spoken English in real time through a smartphone app. This technology has the potential to significantly improve communication for people with hearing impairments or speech impediments, eliminating the need for a human translator. The wider implications of this technology include increased workplace integration and employment for the deaf community, improved travel experiences for people with speech or hearing disabilities, and the potential for more sustainable manufacturing practices.

Smart gloves context

People with hearing impairments have traditionally relied on individuals translating their sign language to non-signers, but this is set to change thanks to groundbreaking research conducted by scientists and bioengineers at the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA).

The university team noted above created a device resembling the shape of a glove which can translate ASL into English speech through the help of a smartphone app—and all of this is done in real time. This device is relatively cheap, very flexible in nature, and highly durable, offering a lot of promise for the future.

This smart glove works by sending electronic signals to a circuit board that is housed inside the gloves. These signals are then transmitted to a smartphone through a wireless medium where an app translates these signals into audible speech. The signals are generated by the movement of the hands. The smartphone app is capable of translating these movements into phrases that are then voiced by an AI.

The technology behind this innovation aims to remove the hurdles deaf people struggle with when communicating with the able-bodied public. Similarly, those who suffer from speech impediments can now communicate seamlessly with abled people without the need for a translator.

Disruptive impact

Smart glove technology can serve as a bridge, allowing those who are hard of hearing to interact more seamlessly with the world around them. It can also empower them to pursue careers and opportunities that were previously inaccessible due to communication challenges. This technology can thus contribute to a more inclusive society, where everyone can participate fully and effectively.

From a business perspective, the adoption of smart glove technology can lead to a more diverse and inclusive workforce. Companies can tap into the talents and skills of individuals who were previously overlooked due to communication barriers. This strategy can lead to a richer exchange of ideas, fostering creativity and innovation within the organization. Moreover, businesses can expand their customer base by making their products and services more accessible to those with disabilities, increasing their market reach and potential revenue.

On a governmental level, the integration of smart glove technology can have profound implications for policy-making and public services. Governments can use this technology to ensure that their services are accessible to all citizens. This move can lead to improved civic participation and a more equitable society. Furthermore, governments can promote the use of this technology in schools and workplaces, fostering an environment of inclusivity and equal opportunity.

Implications of smart gloves technology

Wider implications of smart glove technology may include:

The greater integration of people with hearing and speech impediments into the workplace and increased employment numbers for the deaf community overall.

Improved travel experiences for people with speech or hearing disabilities.

Enhanced communication opportunities between people with speech or hearing disabilities who also come from different countries and speak different sign languages.

The development of other assistive technologies, leading to a more accessible and inclusive world for all individuals with disabilities.

The environmental impact of producing smart gloves could lead to a greater focus on sustainable manufacturing practices, leading to a reduction in waste and a more eco-friendly production process.