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((INTRO)) [[ For the deaf-blind person, the combination of vision and hearing loss can make for a confined and isolating existence. A startup in Boston is developing a robot to expand communication and access to information. VOA’s Tina Trinh has more.]]
Content TypePackage
LanguageEnglish
Transcript/ScriptLogOn: Sign Language Robot
HEADLINE: Robot Uses Sign Language to Communicate with Deaf-Blind Persons
TEASER: Tatum Robotics is developing a robot it says will help deaf-blind users expand communication and access to information
PUBLISHED AT: 08/15/2023 8:40am
BYLINE: Tina Trinh
CONTRIBUTOR:
DATELINE: Boston, MA
VIDEOGRAPHER: Tina Trinh
VIDEO EDITOR: Tina Trinh
ASSIGNING EDITOR: Tina Trinh/Scott Stearns
SCRIPT EDITORS: MAS; CAW
VIDEO SOURCE: VOA original
PLATFORMS: WEB __ TV _X_ RADIO _X_
TRT: 1:58
VID APPROVED BY: MAS
TYPE: TVR
EDITOR NOTES: ))
((INTRO)) [[ For the deaf-blind person, the combination of vision and hearing loss can make for a confined and isolating existence. A startup in Boston is developing a robot to expand communication and access to information. VOA’s Tina Trinh has more.]]
((NARRATOR))
Samantha Johnson knows tactile sign language, a version of sign language used by some in the deaf-blind community.
((Samantha Johnson, Tatum Robotics Founder))
“Deaf-blind people communicate through tactile signing, also known as hand-over-hand signing. So, the deaf-blind person holds onto the back of the hand of the signer and receives the signs into their palm directly.”
((NARRATOR))
When the pandemic struck, Johnson wondered what it meant for those who rely on the touch-based method of communication.
((Samantha Johnson, Tatum Robotics Founder))
“Because interpreting services stopped, social distancing was in place. The millions of deaf-blind Americans didn't have access to communication.”
((NARRATOR))
She and her team of engineers at Tatum Robotics came up with the Tatum T1, a robotic hand that can sign letters of the American Sign Language alphabet.
((Samantha Johnson, Tatum Robotics Founder))
“Our goal is to develop the first assistive communication tool for the deaf-blind community that prioritizes tactile sign.” "It's currently made with all flexible components which kind of serves two purposes - not only does it really mimic a human hand so it's really easy for the deaf blind person to acclimate to its signing, but it's also really safe."
((NARRATOR))
Johnson says the T1 will connect to the cloud to translate any text-based content.
((Samantha Johnson, Tatum Robotics Founder))
“So that could be emails, websites, e-books, and what it does is it will take that content, it will translate it out of English and into ASL and then output it for the deaf-blind user.”
((NARRATOR))
Jaimi (“JAY-mee”) Lard is completely deaf and has very little vision. She relies on tactile signing and an interpreter to communicate. In the absence of an interpreter, the T1 can serve as a stand-in and translate words typed into a connected laptop.
[[RADIO TRACK: Johnson types in a message from this reporter, the T1 signs it for Lard and her interpreter confirms the message was received.]]
((NATS))
Interpreter: “It said ‘Hi, my name is Tina . . . “
((NARRATOR))
It’s still in development, but Johnson hopes the device will ultimately provide greater independence and connection.
((Samantha Johnson, Tatum Robotics Founder))
“The deaf-blind persons at home, they're very isolated - they don't have access to entertainment or the community the way that we take advantage of.”
((NARRATOR))
Technology that can truly be a helping hand.
((Tina Trinh, VOA News, Boston))
NewsML Media TopicsArts, Culture, Entertainment and Media
NetworkVOA
Location (dateline)
Boston, MA
Embargo DateAugust 15, 2023 23:51 EDT
Byline
Tina Trinh, VOA News
Brand / Language ServiceVoice of America - English
