Project Aslan
Humanoid robot that will have the ability to translate speech into sign language
A team of engineering students from the University of Antwerp are building a humanoid robot that will have the ability to translate speech into sign language. Sponsored by the European Institute for Otorhinolaryngology, the robot titled Project Aslan aims to support the short supply of sign language interpreters across the world. The project uses 3D printing combined with readily available components to make the robot affordable and easily manufacturable. Using 3D Hubs, a network of 3D printing services the Aslan robot will be able to be produced in over 140 countries. The goal of Project Aslan is not to replace human sign language translators but to merely provide support when they are not available. Once the designs are optimized, the robot can be used in numerous practical applications that along with general assistance can attempt to solve the root of the problem.