Guwahati, Aug 4: Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati, in collaboration with Ohio State University, USA, have developed an innovative underwater vibration sensor that converts exhaled air into voice commands using deep learning technology. This breakthrough offers a new communication method for individuals with voice disabilities who cannot use conventional voice recognition systems.

The research, published in the journal Advanced Functional Materials, was led by Professor Uttam Manna from the Department of Chemistry, along with his team from IIT Guwahati and collaborators from Ohio State University. The study addresses the challenges faced by people with voice disorders by detecting subtle water surface waves generated when a person exhales air over water, even without producing audible sound.

The sensor is made from a chemically reactive, conductive porous sponge placed just below the water surface. It detects the tiny disturbances caused by exhaled air and converts them into electrical signals. These signals are then interpreted using Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN), a type of deep learning model, enabling accurate recognition of speech patterns without relying on sound.

Professor Uttam Manna explained, “This material design allows voice recognition by monitoring water waves formed by exhaling air at the air-water interface. It can provide a practical solution for communication for individuals with partially or completely damaged vocal cords.”

Currently, the prototype developed at the lab scale costs approximately Rs. 3,000. The team is exploring industry collaborations to reduce the cost and bring the technology to real-world applications. Future plans include clinical validation and collection of data from individuals with voice disabilities to refine the system for recognizing specific words and phrases necessary for controlling smart devices.

Beyond voice recognition, the sensor has potential uses in exercise tracking, movement detection, and underwater sensing due to its durability and stability during extended underwater use.

About IIT Guwahati: Established in 1994, IIT Guwahati is one of India’s premier engineering institutes, offering a wide range of programs across engineering, science, healthcare, management, and humanities. The institute currently hosts over 8,600 students and 455 faculty members and holds top ranks nationally and globally in engineering and research categories.