Barton Hill student develops gesture-to-speech robot 'Gestalk'

In a breakthrough that could revolutionize communication for people with speech disabilities, Vimun, a final-year Information Technology student at Barton Hill College of Engineering, Thiruvananthapuram, has developed a robot named Gestalk. This innovative robot converts hand gestures into sounds, bridging the communication gap for those who don't know sign language.

Vimun, a native of Palakkad, began working on the project during his diploma course in 2019. Gestalk operates using advanced artificial intelligence technology, with sensors and microcontrollers that detect and interpret hand movements. These movements are then converted into sound, images and text, enabling seamless conversations between sign language users and others.

Currently being developed under the Thiruvananthapuram-based company Redfox Robotics, Gestalk is expected to make communication easier for individuals with speech disabilities or other impairments. One of the robot’s standout features is its ability to speak in multiple major languages, making it a versatile tool for global use.

Vimun, who holds 44 technology-related international competition wins, as well as two Asia Book and two Indian Book records, is in the process of obtaining a patent for Gestalk. The robot is slated for commercial release soon, with production costs estimated at around Rs 5,000 per unit.