IIT-G's deep learning sensor to turn exhaling air from mouth into voice commands

A team of researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology IIT Guwahati has developed an underwater vibration sensor that enables automated and contactless voice recognitionConducted in collaboration with researchers from Ohio State University US the novel sensor offers a promising alternative communication method for individuals with voice disabilities who are unable to use conventional voicebased systemsThe research focused on the exhaled air through the mouth while speaking a basic physiological functionIn cases where individuals cannot produce sound attempting to speak generates airflow from their lungs When this air flows over a water surface it produces subtle wavesThe underwater vibration sensor could detect these water waves and interpret speech signals without depending on audible voice thus creating a new pathway for voice recognition said the team in the paper published in the journal Advanced Functional MaterialsldquoIt is one of the rare designs of material allowing the recognition of voice based on monitoring the water wave formed at the airwater interface because of exhaling air from the mouth This approach is likely to provide a viable solution for communication with those individuals with partially or entirely damaged vocal cordsrdquo said Prof Uttam Manna Department of Chemistry IIT GuwahatiThe new sensor is made from a conductive chemically reactive porous spongeWhen placed just below the airwater interface it captures the tiny disturbances created by exhaled air and converts them into measurable electrical signalsThe research team used Convolutional Neural Networks CNN a type of deep learning model to accurately recognise these subtle signal patternsThis setup allows users to communicate with devices from a distance without the need to generate soundOn a lab scale the working prototype costs Rs 3000 said the team noting that they are exploring potential industry collaboration for bringing the technology from the lab to realworld use which can reduce the costOther key features of the sensor include contactless communication for individuals with voice disabilities AIpowered interpretation using CNNs and handsfree control of smart devicesBeyond voice recognition the sensor can also be utilised for exercise tracking and movement detection In addition its proven durability remaining stable after extended underwater use suggests potential applications in underwater sensing and communicationThis story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed agencies Midday accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability trustworthiness reliability and data of the text Midday managementmiddaycom reserves the sole right to alter delete or remove without notice the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever