Voicegest, a robotic hand that interprets speech into sign language, has been developed by a batch of imaginative computer engineering students from De La Salle Lipa University. The innovation is directed to improving inclusivity in learning by removing communication barriers for children with hearing and speech disabilities.
VOICEGEST is the product of a thesis project by a group of three students: Althea Lat, Alexie Shane Lenesses, and Nathanael Malabanan. Their work focused on understanding real-life issues and solving them. The students’ encounters from the SPED (Special Education) community of Malvar, Batangas, inspired them to tackle the gaps posed by a local SPED pedagogical sufficiency bottleneck. Althea Lat, the team leader, shared her insights on the encapsulated graphed design ideas. “We’re the ones who really came up with the idea of a ‘robotic hand that can do sign language so that we can assist students with disabilities.’” This empathy is what forced the students to change during the design process.
How VOICEGEST Alleviated Communication Barriers
VOICEGEST is a mobile robot that has a 3D-printed hand, integrated with servo motors and Bluetooth, capable of communicating Filipino Sign Language (FSL) letters, numbers, and essential words. Its user interface combines speech-activated commands and touch commands, where users can perform simple taps or issue voice commands. Engr. Imelda Martin, a computer engineering faculty member at DLSL, talked about every user’s attraction towards the simplicity of the device, including disabled individuals. This feature ensures all-inclusive participation of learners in the active teaching and learning process.
Shifting from Play Object to Educational Tool for Early Learners
Lat reflected on the initial reactions of pupils as they interacted with the innovation: “voice activated_processors and sensors_vehicle_to_expl9518c behavior. “Akala sila laruan.” — They thought it was a toy but in actuality, together— that can actually… help them to learn more.” She explained how the VOICEGEST device not only captivates students’ attention but also greatly enhances their motivation to learn sign language.
Innovation at Low Cost: Resourcefulness and Dedication
VOICEGEST was developed by the team within the budget of P15,000-P20,000. This is a fraction compared to commercially available technologies like VOICEGEST ultrasound, which can go up to P100,000. Lat emphasized, “Ang puhunan lang talaga namin here is our knowledge and our skills na we gain in our school.” This shows the commitment and ingenuity, declaring, “Our sole investment was their learning, as VOICEGEST was the product of their skills and knowledge.”
Expanding Capabilities: Looking to the Future
The team plans to enhance the robot’s gesture vocabulary with audio feedback and envisions VOICEGEST enabling non-verbal individuals to communicate in public institutions such as hospitals and customer service counters. They celebrate their triumph in the MURATA ROBOLUTION 2025 contest and are thrilled to obtain funding to transform the prototype into a tangible product. Their goal is to promote better communication and understanding through inclusivity using the robot.
