From Sign to Speech: Nigerian Student Builds Smart Communication Glove

Muhammad Habib Husaini, a student at ATBU, has developed the NHED Smart Glove—a low-cost, locally made device that uses sensors and AI to convert sign language into speech, aiming to enhance communication for people with hearing and speech impairments.

Muhammad Habib Husaini, a Computer and Communication Engineering student at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), Bauchi, has developed a groundbreaking device aimed at transforming the way individuals with hearing and speech impairments communicate. Dubbed the NHED Smart Glove, this innovative invention translates sign language gestures into spoken words in real-time.

The glove is equipped with pressure sensors that detect hand movements, transmitting the signals to an ESP32 microcontroller. From there, the data is saved to an SD card module, which then triggers a voice output that accurately represents the intended sign.

What sets Habib’s project apart is its locally sourced components and self-built design, making it not only technically impressive but also cost-effective. His motivation goes beyond engineering—it’s about inclusivity and accessibility.

“This glove is more than just a piece of technology,” said Habib. “With the NHED Smart Glove, we are not just creating a device; we are restoring dignity and helping to bridge communication gaps.”

He emphasized that the glove serves as an affordable alternative to expensive communication aids currently on the market, making assistive technology more accessible in Nigeria and other low-resource regions.

The project has garnered admiration from the ATBU community and beyond, hailed as a remarkable use of artificial intelligence and engineering to address real-world social challenges.

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SOURCES: ALLSCHOOL, GISTREEL