Communicating Without Speaking Could Get a Helping Hand

From: Ergoweb, Utah - Aug 15, 2003

Communicating across languages, especially when one of them is sign language, can be a tough task to tackle in the workforce, but researchers are hoping to change that with the development of the AcceleGlove.

Intended to translate the movements that make up the American Sign Language (ASL) alphabet as well as a number of words and phrases, researchers working with the AcceleGlove expect the device to help bridge the sometimes difficult lines of communication for the hearing impaired.

According to a report on MSNBC.com , the AcceleGlove is actually a wearable computer with sensors that map arm and finger movement. Movements are then turned into computer data and converted into words that are either broadcast through speakers or displayed on a screen.

Developed by Jose Hernandez-Rebollar of George Washington University, the right hand AcceleGlove is expected to reach the market by next year. Similar projects are also being worked on by government agencies, including the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, looking to develop gloves that will permit soldiers to send wireless but silent messages via hand movement. From an ergonomics perspective, the development of such devices has the potential to make communication in the workplace more accessible and effective for all employees.

Source: MSNBC.com

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