Sign-IOSign-IO, an abbreviation for Sign Input Output, is a type of smart gloves that translate sign language into audible speech, aimed to reduce communication issues between deaf people and those inexperienced in sign language. Created by Kenyan software engineer and data scientist, Roy Allela, the gloves utilize flex sensors embedded on each finger to capture the specific movements used in American Sign Language, which then transmits the data to a mobile app which deciphers and articulates the sign language in a voice with a customizable gender, pitch, tempo and delay.[1][2][3] Other customizable options include various themes and colors that the glove can exhibit. Allela's original inspiration for the device came from communication problems experienced by his two deaf nieces with other family members.[3] The gloves are on average 93% accurate and have been introduced in many rural schools in Kenya. The invention also earned Allela the Hardware Trailblazer Award at the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) global finals contest, and Allela was also a finalist in the Royal Academy of Engineering, Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation.[2][1] References
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