Giving voice to the deaf: How a Pune business is using AI to provide sign language
The statistics shared by the World Health Organization (WHO) paint a stark reality for millions of Indians grappling with auditory impairment. But amidst these challenges, a glimmer of hope emerges with the innovative solution crafted by Pune-based startup, Glovatrix.
Led by a passionate team of three, including co-founders Parikshit Sohoni, Glovatrix is on a mission to bridge the communication gap for the deaf and hard of hearing community. Their groundbreaking gloves, powered by artificial intelligence, are poised to revolutionize how individuals with auditory impairments interact with the world around them.
The journey of Glovatrix is as remarkable as its vision. With meticulous attention to detail, the team meticulously records sign language gestures, laying the foundation for a bespoke dataset that fuels their AI algorithm. Through seven iterations of development, they have fine-tuned their gloves, embedding sensors and harnessing the power of cloud-based AI to translate sign language into voice seamlessly.
At the recent Startup Mahakumbh event in New Delhi, Moneycontrol witnessed firsthand the transformative impact of Glovatrix’s technology. Parikshit Sohoni’s demonstration, effortlessly translating sign language into spoken words, exemplified the potential of their innovation to empower individuals with auditory impairments.
But Glovatrix’s ambitions extend beyond mere translation. By integrating microphones and screens into their gloves, they envision a future where two-way communication for the deaf becomes a reality. Their commitment to inclusivity is further underscored by their plans to employ deaf individuals to enrich their gesture dataset, ensuring diverse representation and accuracy.
With government grants fueling their endeavors, Glovatrix is poised to disrupt workplace communication dynamics. By focusing on specific industries and tailoring their solution to address sector-specific needs, they aim to make a tangible difference in the lives of individuals navigating professional environments.
As they look towards the future, Parikshit Sohoni and the Glovatrix team are driven by a singular purpose: to refine their product and enhance its accessibility and aesthetics. Their journey is a testament to the transformative power of innovation, empathy, and unwavering determination in creating a more inclusive world for all.