Filipino Students Develop Robotic Hand to Translate Speech into Sign Language


 In a remarkable step toward inclusive education, a group of Filipino Computer Engineering students from De La Salle Lipa in Batangas has created an innovative robotic hand that translates spoken words into sign language. This groundbreaking device, called VOICEGEST, aims to bridge communication gaps for students with hearing and speech impairments, making learning more accessible and engaging. Developed as a thesis project by fourth-year students Althea Lat, Alexie Shane Lenesses, and Nathanael Malabanan, under the guidance of their mentor, Engr. Imelda Martin, VOICEGEST is already making waves in the assistive technology space.

Inspiration Behind VOICEGEST

The idea for VOICEGEST was born from the students’ observations in their local community in Malvar, Batangas, where a nearby special education school struggled with limited teaching resources. Seeing the challenges faced by students with hearing and speech impairments, the team was inspired to create a tool that could help. According to team leader Althea Lat, the lack of specialized teachers in the area motivated them to design a robotic hand capable of performing sign language gestures, offering a practical solution to enhance classroom learning.

How VOICEGEST Works

VOICEGEST is a user-friendly device that combines a 3D-printed robotic hand with advanced technology to deliver sign language translations. Powered by servo motors, the robotic hand connects via Bluetooth to a custom mobile application developed by the team. The app features voice recognition and touch-based controls, allowing users to input commands easily. For example, speaking a letter like “A” into the app prompts the robotic hand to form the corresponding Filipino Sign Language (FSL) gesture. Alternatively, users can tap a button on the app to achieve the same result, making the device accessible to those who are deaf or mute.

This dual-input system ensures that VOICEGEST is adaptable to various users and learning environments. Engr. Imelda Martin, the team’s mentor, highlighted its simplicity, noting that the device was designed with real-world classroom scenarios in mind. Students initially mistook VOICEGEST for a toy, but they quickly became engaged in learning sign language through its interactive gestures. The robotic hand can currently replicate 25 out of 27 degrees of motion found in a human hand, offering a high level of precision that enhances its effectiveness.

Affordable Innovation

One of the standout features of VOICEGEST is its affordability. Built at an estimated cost of just 15,000 to 20,000 Philippine Pesos, the device is significantly cheaper than similar technologies, which can cost up to 100,000 Pesos. The team emphasized that their primary investment was their knowledge and skills gained through their education. This cost-effective approach makes VOICEGEST a viable option for schools and institutions with limited budgets, paving the way for wider adoption in underserved communities.

Future Upgrades and Aspirations

The VOICEGEST team is not resting on their laurels. After winning the MURATA ROBOLUTION 2025 contest, they are actively working on upgrades to enhance the device’s functionality. Plans include integrating audio feedback into the mobile app to provide additional support for users and expanding the robotic hand’s gesture vocabulary to include more signs. The team is also pursuing a patent to protect their innovation and seeking funding to take VOICEGEST beyond the prototype stage. With additional resources, they aim to refine the device’s features and make it a scalable tool for inclusive education.

Looking ahead, the team envisions VOICEGEST being used beyond classrooms, in settings like hospitals, public institutions, and customer service environments. By helping non-verbal individuals communicate in everyday situations, the device has the potential to transform lives. Engr. Martin believes that with further improvements, the functionality of VOICEGEST will be virtually limitless, opening new doors for accessibility and inclusion.

A Vision for Inclusivity

The VOICEGEST project is a testament to the power of innovation driven by compassion. By addressing the needs of students with hearing and speech impairments, the team is promoting inclusivity and creating opportunities for better communication and understanding. As they continue to develop their device and seek investor support, their goal remains clear: to provide people with special needs access to effective tools for learning and interaction.

This inspiring project showcases how technology, creativity, and a commitment to social good can come together to make a meaningful impact. With VOICEGEST, these Filipino students are not only shaping the future of assistive technology but also building a more inclusive world for everyone.

Source: www.abs-cbn.com/news/

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