Functions as simple as oral communication are not as simple for deaf people. Sure, there is sign language, but usually, the ones who speak it belong in the deaf community, which leaves most day-to-day interactions pretty problematic. This could easily change thanks to a new piece of technology: a set of gloves that can translate sign language into words.
Smartphone+glove=communication
The wide array of smartphone apps available at your fingertips is unbelievable. There are apps to help you split bills, find a soulmate, and even catch wild pokemon. Why not have one that interprets sign language? A team of bioengineers has recently created just that. The app connects to a special glove that picks up its wearer’s hand gestures, translates them into words, and vocalizes them on using the smartphone speaker. The connection is based on electric signals and is completely wireless!
Once this new invention is accessible to everyone, it can revolutionize life as deaf people know it. Having a glove and a smartphone could mean they don’t have to struggle through communication with people who don’t know how to sign. That being said, the glove could also help hearing people learn sign language through immersion. When a hearing person will interact on a regular basis with a deaf person who uses the glove, they are more likely to pick up some gestures for future use.
Final improvements
This invention could be truly groundbreaking once it’s out, but production is not in its final stages yet. For starters, the app has a lot more words to add to its vocabulary. Then, there is translation speed which needs to be improved. Currently, it stands at about one word per second, which would make a very slow conversation. Once these kinks are smoothed out, the product could hit the market and make a difference in our world.