The idea isnt brand-new, however UCLAs prototype gloves are more comfortable and far less bulky than other styles, the researchers stated. Much better still, the parts only cost about $50 and could drop much more with large scale production, UCLA assistant teacher Jun Chen told Fast Company.
Its still a model and needs to be faster and comprehend more indications to be useful. Nevertheless after a couple of more years of development, it could allow deaf people to interact more quickly. “Our hope is that this opens an easy way for individuals who use sign language to communicate straight with non-signers without needing somebody else to equate for them,” said Chen.
Critics within the deaf community werent rather as satisfied, saying deaf signers currently have tools to assist them communicate. “It would be a lot simpler if tech concentrated on user-centered and user-driven style in the first instance,” deaf post-doctoral researcher Gabrielle Hodge told CNN. Nevertheless, it might also work as an academic tool. “We hope it can help more people discover sign language themselves,” stated Chen.