Researchers at UCLA have made a breakthrough in sign language technology: a high-tech glove that translates sign language in real time.
Although the concept of translating sign language using a glove isn’t exactly new, this latest advancement is indeed something special. This new glove can translate an astounding 660 American Sign Language (ASL) signs at a rate of 60 words per minute!
It does this in real time, with 98.63 accuracy… much better than anything else out there. It can also translate both written and spoken words.
But the most promising aspect is that the glove is designed to be affordable. The parts cost about $50 to make, meaning the final product won’t be prohibitively expensive.
Cool! So… how does it work?!
The gloves are made with sensors that can stretch, allowing them to monitor complex hand movements.
These sensors are spread throughout each of the five fingers. The glove itself is made of special yarn that tracks the electrical signals generated by finger movements.
The signals are sent to a small circuit board on the back side of the glove. The signal is analyzed and transmitted to a smartphone, where an app translates the signals into text.
Now, if you know ASL, then you may be wondering: “What about facial expressions?” Facial expressions are an important part of ASL – and the UCLA researchers are accounting for that. They’re currently testing adhesive facial sensors that capture expressions in real time, also translating those signals into the final written or spoken message.
A good sign for the future of ASL translation
Although the technology behind ASL translation has existed for a while (and there are many effective tools to assist the deaf), this new glove brings a fresh approach to the concept.
Some critics argue that the glove isn’t as practical as existing methods, such as using an interpreter – however, this glove will be more accessible, and can serve as an excellent supplement when other tools aren’t available. It’s also a great way to introduce people to ASL!
The glove is still a prototype and is expected to release sometime next year. It’s still nameless at this point… which leaves us with only one question: What should it be called?! If you have a bright idea, be sure to leave it in the comments below!
Mari parsons says
The giving glove for a name
DNESE STANLEY says
The Handy Hand
Carlton Goree says
The helping hand
JoyceandSteph Campmollet says
sign of the times!
Amy Koenigsknecht says
Speakeasy
DNESE STANLEY says
I am willing to test out the glove if possible. Name it The Handy Hand.
Maxie Bennett says
I HEARU GLOVE
Geoff Lamb says
Are they thinking of producing a version for British Sign Language. I think it might be more complicated as BSL uses both hands, but I’d really love it.
Susan Doyle says
The Hearme(hear me)
Kathy McVicker says
Sign of the Times
Sheldon Metz says
Talk to the ✋ (or Hand).
Or
The Hand ✋
Or
HearingHand
CASSANDRA J WATKINS says
THE TALKING GLOVE
Donna Robinson says
Helping Hand
The Interpreter
G-Hand
G-ASL
Andrea Searson says
The Talking Hand!!!
OleDad says
Fingerspelling is not American Sign Language. D.o..w.e..s.p.e.l.l..o.u.t..e.v.e.r.y..w.o.r.d..w.e..s.a.y..l.e.t.t.e.r..b.y..l.e.t.t.e.r? N.o.
660 “signs”? That’s like trying to speak a foriegn language (say German) with 660 individual words. Grammar? Syntax? How do these words fit together to make sense?
ASL is a language in its own right.
To the English hearing person, ASL translated into spoken words “sounds” like pigeon English, but it is not. “I am going to town” = “me now go town.” “I went to town” = “me past go town.”
“Have you finished reading the book?” = “Read book finish you?”
“Not yet.” = “Late, late”
ASL is NOT English — it is manual language that involves the body as well as facial expressions to convey human communication as detailed and extensive as any spoken language.
The glove is a novelty. It might be fun to play with. But ASL? Not from the short introduction we received above.
Roland s. Escalante, Jr. says
It should be called “Manny.”
Evelyn says
Beginner’s helping hands. Great
fertface says
I’m thinking it may be useful to program my own “muscle memory” for some signs, and definitely for those of us wanting to learn who also have hand mobility issues.