…TALK is an AAC – augmentative and alternative communication – device that translates air blown from a users nose and sends it to a box to be turned into speech. It was created by 16 year old Arsh Shah Dilbagi to offer an affordable alternative to bulky and expensive AAC devices.
The device was created to help people who suffer from LIS, ALS, or other conditions that can completely paralyze those afflicted with them. Upon discovering that traditional AAC devices can cost several thousands of dollars and remain frustratingly slow to use, Arsh decided to create a device that was cheaper, faster and more affordable.
TALK works when the user creates two exhales through the nose, distinguished by intensity and duration, that it converts into electrical signals that can be translated from morse code into a computer generated voice. Users can “type” out entire words or sentences, or they can enter shortcuts that would trigger pre-selected phrases. TALK converts the morse code into English, and the user can choose between nine different voices.
Arsh entered his invention into the Google Science Fair where he took home the Voters Choice Award. Not only was his invention impressive on its own, but the rate at which it produces text and commands combined with the inexpensive price tag of about $80 have been hailed as significant breakthroughs. If TALK goes into production, it will be the least expensive AAC device available on the market today….
Every Thursday is #3dthursday here at Adafruit! The DIY 3D printing community has passion and dedication for making solid objects from digital models. Recently, we have noticed electronics projects integrated with 3D printed enclosures, brackets, and sculptures, so each Thursday we celebrate and highlight these bold pioneers!
Have you considered building a 3D project around an Arduino or other microcontroller? How about printing a bracket to mount your Raspberry Pi to the back of your HD monitor? And don’t forget the countless LED projects that are possible when you are modeling your projects in 3D!
The Adafruit Learning System has dozens of great tools to get you well on your way to creating incredible works of engineering, interactive art, and design with your 3D printer! We also offer the LulzBot TAZ – Open source 3D Printer and the Printrbot Simple Metal 3D Printer in our store. If you’ve made a cool project that combines 3D printing and electronics, be sure to let us know, and we’ll feature it here!