April 22, 2024

Caroline Mora

11th Grade

Fountain Valley High School

In 2016, two sophomores at the University of Washington became one of seven recipients of the Lemelson-MIT Student Prize for the undergraduate “Use It” category. The invention submitted was a pair of gloves with the technology to translate American Sign Language (ASL) into audible words. 

The gloves are called “SignAloud” and they use sensors to pick up different gestures and signs, sending them via Bluetooth to a computer where the information is then sorted, translated, and spoken through a speaker. This product, though a prototype, could have major benefits for deaf and hearing people alike. 

According to the creators, Navid Azodi and Thomas Pryor, SignAloud currently only can translate a limited amount of ASL signs and phrases, but one day they hope to have programmed the majority of ASL, or even other languages into the software Azodi and Pryor both have strong backgrounds in engineering, and they decided to combine forces and try to make a positive change in the world. Azodi himself has experienced what it’s like to have a communication barrier, unable to speak until the age of seven, and chose to help others who may be experiencing something similar to him. Azodi believes that communication is a human right and that everybody should be able to express themselves in any way that they know how. 

“That learning process was one of, if not the most humbling experience. People called it a miracle device, and it’s not. It’s not about helping people; they don’t need help. It’s about how technology can be accessible and inclusive. It’s just a means of building bridges and breaking down barriers”, said Azodi.   

Designed to be lightweight and ergonomic, these gloves are constructed using materials like spandex, power mesh, and neoprene. Neoprene is a synthetic rubber, making the gloves durable and long-lasting. Power mesh is a high compression fabric, with a soft texture, giving the gloves a comfortable and fitted feel. Overall these gloves are comfortable and lightweight enough to be worn while signing. 

According to Pryor, SignAloud could have multitudes of potential uses, including helping with rehabilitation for stroke patients, learning assistance for people learning ASL as well as its intended purpose of being an ASL translator. The future is bright for this product, and it will be exciting to see where it ends up.