I have chosen the speech restorer as my topic of interest in biotechnology. This device enables people that are suffering from either a brain disorder or a major speech disorder have a voice again. This device uses a speech recognition technology to translate severely distorted words into clear sentences. The speech restorer is also able to compile full sentences by using just a few key words. The speech restorer consists of a handheld computer and a bluetooth headset and has plenty of different male and female voice options. A man that helped design this device, Professor Mark Hawley said, “We’ve found a way of making synthetic speech sound like a real person. We’re hoping to get it running on mobile phones too” (Power of Speech). So not only will the speech restorer be able to help people carry conversations in person, it will also make it possible for people with speech or brain disorders talk to anyone over the phone.
Another way this speech restorer can be used is by reading peoples thoughts and forming them into sentences. The Audeo uses electrodes that detect neuron signals traveling from the brain to the vocal cords. It is only a matter of thinking slowly about what one would want to say and this device picks up on the brainwaves and translates the waves into sentences.
Sources: http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2009/mar/19/vivoca-synthetic-speech
http://www.popularmechanics.com/science/health/breakthroughs/4303407
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