Anushruti Singh
The Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (IIT Guwahati) has unveiled a groundbreaking innovation in speech technology with the development and patenting of “LOQU.” This novel method pioneers the generation of human speech signals directly from vocal cord vibration signals, offering transformative possibilities for those with hearing and speech impairments.
Hearing and speech impairments affect millions worldwide, with over 1.2 million individuals in India alone facing speech impediments, according to government data for 2021. To address this pressing issue, IIT Guwahati’s team, led by Dr. L.N. Sharma and guided by Prof. Samarendra Dandapat from the Department of Electronics and Electrical Engineering, embarked on a mission to create a solution that could empower those facing speech impairments.
The technology, named “LOQU” from the Latin word for “To speak or talk,” captures vocal fold movement without invasive procedures. Utilising sensors placed over the throat, LOQU translates vocal cord vibrations into clear and comparable speech signals. This innovative approach offers promising applications for speech-impaired individuals, providing them with a viable solution for clear communication.
Speaking about the breakthrough, Prof. Samarendra Dandapat expressed optimism about the impact of LOQU. “This breakthrough holds immense promise for individuals facing speech impairments, offering a viable solution with clear and comparable speech signals, as demonstrated in comparison tests. With ‘LOQU,’ we aim to empower those in need and drive impactful innovations in the medical and communication domains.” he said.
Dr. Sharma elaborated on the research process, highlighting the non-invasive nature of LOQU’s sensors and the electronic processing of vocal fold vibrations to generate speech harmonics. Extensive comparison tests have shown the reconstructed speech signals to be clear and comparable to traditional speech, offering a viable alternative to conventional microphones and enhancing speech clarity for those with impairments.
The prototype of LOQU has been developed on a laboratory scale at a cost of under Rs 2000, making it a cost-effective solution with significant potential for widespread adoption. The patented technology represents a significant milestone in speech research and innovation, with ongoing clinical testing aimed at further validating its effectiveness and exploring diverse applications in medical and communication fields.
With “LOQU,” IIT Guwahati continues to push the boundaries of innovation, creating technologies that have the power to transform lives and bridge gaps in accessibility for the differently-abled.
