IIT-M develops wearable devices for differently-abled | Fusion - WeRIndia

Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology-Madras (IIT-M) developed a unique technology in the wearable device to assist differently-abled people. The technology helps people with hearing impaired and motor disabilities to communicate independently.

The Centre for Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology (CREATE) developed these devices, Vibe and iGest, to assist specially-abled. While the Vibe helps the hearing impaired, iGest helps people with motor disabilities.

The devices will have the latest sensor technologies to help these people. Sony Pictures Networks India sponsored the project under the corporate social responsibility initiative.

Most of the existing devices are imported. Hence they are expensive. As a result, many people are not able to use these devices, and thus, they are excluded from the mainstream.

As there were no affordable and sustainable assistive devices, the hearing-impaired are troubled in getting inclusive education. These wearable devices are affordable, which cost less than ₹5,000.

The development of these devices will help the hearing impaired and people with motor disabilities.

Vibe will have some pre-identified sounds like a doorbell. The device will generate vibration and LED light by recognizing these sounds. The device features a huge number of sound patterns. It recognizes sounds through microphone and voice recognition modules.

iGest uses a smartphone to communicate. It recognizes gestures and provides audio output through the mobile. Thus, it helps people with motor disabilities like cerebral palsy to communicate with others independently.

At least 20 per cent of the Indian population is suffering from a motor disability as per the last census, and the wearable device helps such people.

Sony Pictures Networks India expressed its happiness about becoming a part of it by funding the project as part of its CSR initiative. The company says that it is proud of the development of these devices to assist the specially-abled.

Image by Nikacer from Pixabay (Free for commercial use)

Image Reference: https://pixabay.com/photos/sony-headphones-face-sound-music-2089535/