Pune-based startup Glovatrix has introduced an innovative solution to help individuals with speech impairments communicate more effectively. Their AI-powered gloves, called “Fifth Sense,” translate sign language gestures into spoken words in real time, bridging the communication gap for millions in India.
How Fifth Sense Works
The Fifth Sense gloves combine advanced technology with Indian Sign Language (ISL) to enable seamless communication.
- Gesture Recognition: The gloves have sensors that detect hand and finger movements, converting them into digital signals.
- AI Translation: These signals are processed by an AI algorithm trained on thousands of gesture samples for accuracy. The AI translates these gestures into speech, creating real-time conversations.
- Speech Synthesis: The gloves also capture spoken words through built-in microphones, displaying text or images for the user, ensuring two-way communication.
Impact of Fifth Sense
Glovatrix’s gloves are designed to empower individuals with speech and hearing impairments by providing independence in communication.
- Improved Social Interaction: The gloves enable users to express themselves easily in daily life, enhancing their relationships and self-confidence.
- Workplace Inclusion: Fifth Sense is already being tested in workplaces, including government offices in Odisha and industries like hospitality and aviation. This move promotes inclusive hiring practices.
- Educational Benefits: The technology supports classrooms where sign language is taught or used, offering a valuable tool for real-time translation.
Success Stories and Recognition
The gloves have already started making a difference:
- Real-World Use: A user with speech impairment successfully secured a job by using Fifth Sense to communicate during an interview, showcasing its potential.
- Awards and Funding: Glovatrix has won several startup awards, including the Conquest competition by Bits Pilani, and has raised ₹75 lakh through government grants to scale its efforts.
Future Plans
Glovatrix has ambitious plans to improve and expand the impact of Fifth Sense:
- Product Upgrades: The company is refining its hardware and app to make the gloves more user-friendly and appealing.
- Market Expansion: While currently focusing on businesses, Glovatrix plans to launch a consumer version to make the gloves available to individuals directly.
- Broader Gesture Recognition: The team is working with more deaf individuals to expand the library of recognized gestures, ensuring it captures the diversity of sign language expressions.
A Step Toward Inclusive Technology
With Fifth Sense, Glovatrix is setting an example of how technology can address real-world challenges and foster inclusivity. By turning sign language into a voice for those who need it most, the startup is not just building a product but creating new opportunities for empowerment.