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Human brain chip, OnePlus new flagship phone and more | Tech It Out: ​Ep 145

A robot has been taught to read Braille and artificial intelligence shows promise in enhancing ovarian cancer diagnosis; the past week witnessed numerous exciting tech developments and we bring you the most interesting ones in our tech wrap.

Robot trained to read braille at 2x speed of humans | WION Tech It Out

<p>Researchers at the University of Cambridge have developed a robotic sensor that reads braille at twice the speed of humans. Through advanced machine learning algorithms, the robotic sensor glides over braille text, achieving reading speeds of approximately 315 words per minute with close to 90 per cent accuracy.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What does it mean?</strong></h2>

<p>The feat marks a significant advancement in the realms of tactile sensing and robotic dexterity.</p>

<p>While the primary focus of the robot's development was not to assist visually impaired individuals in reading, its success in high-speed braille reading highlights the potential for advancements in robotic sensitivity.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Braille, with its demand for heightened tactile sensitivity, serves as an exemplary test case for the development of robotic hands or prosthetics that can emulate the sensitivity of human fingertips.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/art-for-all-keeping-paper-mache-alive-in-india-through-braille-381164">Art for all: Keeping 'paper mache' alive in India through braille</a></strong></p>

<p>Professor Fumiya Iida's lab at Cambridge's Department of Engineering spearheaded this&nbsp;research.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The study's first author, Parth Potdar, stressed on&nbsp;the importance of softness in human fingertips for gripping objects with the right amount of pressure.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However replicating this quality in a robotic hand presents a significant engineering challenge, particularly when dealing with flexible or deformable surfaces.</p>

<h2><strong>Why braille was chosen as testing ground?</strong>&nbsp;</h2>

<p>The researchers chose braille as a testing ground due to its requirement for high tactile sensitivity.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Unlike traditional robotic braille readers that operate letter by letter, the Cambridge team developed a more efficient and realistic reading method.</p>

<p>Their robotic sensor, equipped with a camera in its "fingertip", combines visual and sensory information to read braille.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Blind students in Malaysia learn the Quran using Braille</strong></p>

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<p>The team also trained their machine learning algorithm with blurred images of braille, thus enhancing the system's character recognition.</p>

<p>This innovation goes beyond braille reading, with broader implications for robotic applications requiring tactile sensing, such as texture detection or slip prevention during object manipulation.</p>

<p>The findings have been published in the journal IEEE Robotics and Automation Letters.</p>


Researchers at the University of Cambridge have developed a robotic sensor that reads braille at twice the speed of humans. Through advanced machine learning algorithms, the robotic sensor glides over braille text, achieving reading speeds of approximately 315 words per minute with close to 90 per cent accuracy.

Researchers at the University of Cambridge have developed a robotic sensor that reads braille at twice the speed of humans. Through advanced machine learning algorithms, the robotic sensor glides over braille text, achieving reading speeds of approximately 315 words per minute with close to 90 per cent accuracy. What does it mean? The feat marks a significant advancement in the realms of tactile sensing and robotic dexterity. While the primary focus of the robot's development was not to assist visually impaired individuals in reading, its success in high-speed braille reading highlights the potential for advancements in robotic sensitivity. Braille, with its demand for heightened tactile sensitivity, serves as an exemplary test case for the development of robotic hands or prosthetics that can emulate the sensitivity of human fingertips. Also read | Art for all: Keeping 'paper mache' alive in India through braille Professor Fumiya Iida's lab at Cambridge's Department of Engineering spearheaded this research. The study's first author, Parth Potdar, stressed on the importance of softness in human fingertips for gripping objects with the right amount of pressure. However replicating this quality in a robotic hand presents a significant engineering challenge, particularly when dealing with flexible or deformable surfaces. Why braille was chosen as testing ground? The researchers chose braille as a testing ground due to its requirement for high tactile sensitivity. Unlike traditional robotic braille readers that operate letter by letter, the Cambridge team developed a more efficient and realistic reading method. Their robotic sensor, equipped with a camera in its "fingertip", combines visual and sensory information to read braille. Also watch | Blind students in Malaysia learn the Quran using Braille × The team also trained their machine learning algorithm with blurred images of braille, thus enhancing the system's character recognition. This innovation goes beyond braille reading, with broader implications for robotic applications requiring tactile sensing, such as texture detection or slip prevention during object manipulation. The findings have been published in the journal IEEE Robotics and Automation Letters.

Scientists create AI-powered robot that reads braille at breakneck speed

<p>One of the oldest crafts of Kashmir called 'paper mache' has been dying a slow death. An artist in the valley has, however, emerged as a hope for the survival of this craft.</p>

<p>Iqbal Ahmad Wani from Srinagar is working hard to revive and introduce new designs in the paper mache. In an effort to take this art to those who can’t see he has uniquely started a series especially for visually impaired people. He has introduced braille into this age-old craft of Kashmir.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/specially-abled-artisans-saving-the-pashmina-and-sozni-craft-381154" hreflang="en">Specially-abled artisans saving the Pashmina and Sozni craft</a></strong></p>

<p>''Paper mache is an art of colours but we couldn't use these in the case of braille. So we only used three colours. As I haven't studied braille so I sought help from a designer in developing this. We have written a message on all the pieces that 'Life is a struggle and we all need to keep going','' said Iqbal Ahmad Wani.</p>

<p>The response towards the new designs and especially braille pieces has been good. People have appreciated the effort of the artisan and designer who came up with the idea of developing something so unique.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/iit-madras-alumnis-startup-3d-prints-600sqft-concrete-home-comprising-hall-kitchen-bedroom-381123" hreflang="en">IIT Madras alumni’s startup 3D prints 600sqft concrete home comprising hall, kitchen, bedroom</a></strong></p>

<p>''We did the first exhibition and the response of people was really good. People appreciated our efforts and said that they have seen something new in a long time. Of course, traditional stuff needs to be made but new designs have to be developed so as to keep the people interested. But we can never let go of our old designs as they are the reason for us being where we are," Wani said.</p>

<p>In the whole process, an NGO is helping Iqbal make this project a reality. The NGO works with artisans to help them with new innovations so as to increase the market.</p>

<p>''Connect to Kashmir is an organisation working in the valley since 2011. We chose 22 craftsmen from the valley to help them reinvent the art. We have a team of seven designers who, along with the artisans, came up with new ideas and designs. &nbsp;Iqbal and our designer had a brainstorming session wherein they came up with an idea of developing pieces for blind,'' said Javid Ahmad, consultant.</p>


One of the oldest crafts of Kashmir called 'paper mache' has been dying a slow death. An artist in the valley has, however, emerged as a hope for the survival of this craft.

One of the oldest crafts of Kashmir called 'paper mache' has been dying a slow death. An artist in the valley has, however, emerged as a hope for the survival of this craft. Iqbal Ahmad Wani from Srinagar is working hard to revive and introduce new designs in the paper mache. In an effort to take this art to those who can’t see he has uniquely started a series especially for visually impaired people. He has introduced braille into this age-old craft of Kashmir. Also read | Specially-abled artisans saving the Pashmina and Sozni craft ''Paper mache is an art of colours but we couldn't use these in the case of braille. So we only used three colours. As I haven't studied braille so I sought help from a designer in developing this. We have written a message on all the pieces that 'Life is a struggle and we all need to keep going','' said Iqbal Ahmad Wani. The response towards the new designs and especially braille pieces has been good. People have appreciated the effort of the artisan and designer who came up with the idea of developing something so unique. Also read | IIT Madras alumni’s startup 3D prints 600sqft concrete home comprising hall, kitchen, bedroom ''We did the first exhibition and the response of people was really good. People appreciated our efforts and said that they have seen something new in a long time. Of course, traditional stuff needs to be made but new designs have to be developed so as to keep the people interested. But we can never let go of our old designs as they are the reason for us being where we are," Wani said. In the whole process, an NGO is helping Iqbal make this project a reality. The NGO works with artisans to help them with new innovations so as to increase the market. ''Connect to Kashmir is an organisation working in the valley since 2011. We chose 22 craftsmen from the valley to help them reinvent the art. We have a team of seven designers who, along with the artisans, came up with new ideas and designs. Iqbal and our designer had a brainstorming session wherein they came up with an idea of developing pieces for blind,'' said Javid Ahmad, consultant.

Art for all: Keeping 'paper mache' alive in India through braille

<p>Two sisters from Ohio are all over the internet for sharing on twitter what can be called the most emotional picture of the day.&nbsp;Alyssa is a 16-year-old who studies in Grove City, Ohio while her 17-years-old sister Annalicia Herrera studies at the Ohio State School for the Blind.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On Monday night, the two with their grandmother and brother went to a nearby restaurant for dinner, but were met with a pleasant surprise while ordering for food. Annalicia has been visually-impaired since birth and a visit to the restaurant always meant someone would tell her a couple of things to order from or she would stick to the basic &ldquo;chicken and fries&rdquo;.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But for the first time, Annalicia was handed down a menu that she could read:&nbsp;It was in Braille. (Invented in the 1800s, Braille&nbsp;aids the visually-impaired in reading. It is usually read by moving fingers over the raised dots on the paper.)&nbsp;</p>

<p>Her sister Alyssa couldn&#39;t hide the excitement and published a photo of her sister reading on twitter which was instantly picked up by the twitterati crowd.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This is the original tweet by Alyssa:&nbsp;</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">My sister has been in this world for 18 yrs and today is the first time she has been offered a menu at a restaurant <a href="https://t.co/Yve18jhw8k">pic.twitter.com/Yve18jhw8k</a></p>
&mdash; Alyssa (@alyssaherrera33) <a href="https://twitter.com/alyssaherrera33/status/846414587222282245">March 27, 2017</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<p>Alyssa also posted a screenshot of a conversation with the restaurant, thanking them for making their visit special. The restaurant responded by&nbsp;inviting the siblings again, and gifted them&nbsp;a $50 gift coupon.</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Much love for <a href="https://twitter.com/redrobinburgers">@redrobinburgers</a> ?? <a href="https://t.co/YWB06l1bOl">pic.twitter.com/YWB06l1bOl</a></p>
&mdash; Alyssa (@alyssaherrera33) <a href="https://twitter.com/alyssaherrera33/status/846759177737457665">March 28, 2017</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h3>Read also: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/science-tech/the-dot-a-stylish-smartwatch-for-the-visually-impaired-12679">A brilliant braille smartwatch</a></h3>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a statement, the restaurant said:&nbsp;&ldquo;Attentive hospitality and personal connections are in our DNA. Red Robin takes great pride in our team members&rsquo; ability to go above and beyond to create memorable experiences for guests like Annalicia.&rdquo;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, people on Twitter from&nbsp;around the world&nbsp;lost it completely:&nbsp;</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Fam is an internet sensation! Great GREAT way to bring awareness to small luxuries the majority of us have that others don&#39;t. ???? be kind. <a href="https://t.co/kIsgmc6TKW">pic.twitter.com/kIsgmc6TKW</a></p>
&mdash; Jayna Guerra (@JaynaGuerra_) <a href="https://twitter.com/JaynaGuerra_/status/846588252266090496">March 28, 2017</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/alyssaherrera33">@alyssaherrera33</a> Your tweets on worldstar ???? <a href="https://t.co/pA7Cbvop8l">pic.twitter.com/pA7Cbvop8l</a></p>
&mdash; ?MG? (@YoAabosSideTing) <a href="https://twitter.com/YoAabosSideTing/status/846745938102304768">March 28, 2017</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Should be a requirement at every single restaurant <a href="https://t.co/1Po7Ybt6hK">https://t.co/1Po7Ybt6hK</a></p>
&mdash; Si?? (@siennaleona) <a href="https://twitter.com/siennaleona/status/846514983219482624">March 28, 2017</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I&#39;m touched , things like thing make me beyond happy , blind people are some of the most genuine you&#39;ll ever meet in your life <a href="https://t.co/joTFVPly3h">https://t.co/joTFVPly3h</a></p>
&mdash; S (@savannerssss) <a href="https://twitter.com/savannerssss/status/846506606128967680">March 27, 2017</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<p>Annalicia now hopes more and more restaurants start using braille menus for helping brighten the lives of all visually-impaired. &ldquo;It will be amazing if everyone else gets that experience&rdquo;, she said,&nbsp;speaking to Buzzfeed.&nbsp;</p>

<p>(WION)</p>


Alyssa tweeted: 'My sister has been in this world for 18 years and today is the first time she has been offered a menu at a restaurant'

Two sisters from Ohio are all over the internet for sharing on twitter what can be called the most emotional picture of the day. Alyssa is a 16-year-old who studies in Grove City, Ohio while her 17-years-old sister Annalicia Herrera studies at the Ohio State School for the Blind. On Monday night, the two with their grandmother and brother went to a nearby restaurant for dinner, but were met with a pleasant surprise while ordering for food. Annalicia has been visually-impaired since birth and a visit to the restaurant always meant someone would tell her a couple of things to order from or she would stick to the basic “chicken and fries”. But for the first time, Annalicia was handed down a menu that she could read: It was in Braille. (Invented in the 1800s, Braille aids the visually-impaired in reading. It is usually read by moving fingers over the raised dots on the paper.) Her sister Alyssa couldn't hide the excitement and published a photo of her sister reading on twitter which was instantly picked up by the twitterati crowd. This is the original tweet by Alyssa: My sister has been in this world for 18 yrs and today is the first time she has been offered a menu at a restaurant pic.twitter.com/Yve18jhw8k — Alyssa (@alyssaherrera33) March 27, 2017 Alyssa also posted a screenshot of a conversation with the restaurant, thanking them for making their visit special. The restaurant responded by inviting the siblings again, and gifted them a $50 gift coupon. Much love for @redrobinburgers ?? pic.twitter.com/YWB06l1bOl — Alyssa (@alyssaherrera33) March 28, 2017 Read also: A brilliant braille smartwatch In a statement, the restaurant said: “Attentive hospitality and personal connections are in our DNA. Red Robin takes great pride in our team members’ ability to go above and beyond to create memorable experiences for guests like Annalicia.” Meanwhile, people on Twitter from around the world lost it completely: Fam is an internet sensation! Great GREAT way to bring awareness to small luxuries the majority of us have that others don't. ???? be kind. pic.twitter.com/kIsgmc6TKW — Jayna Guerra (@JaynaGuerra_) March 28, 2017 @alyssaherrera33 Your tweets on worldstar ???? pic.twitter.com/pA7Cbvop8l — ?MG? (@YoAabosSideTing) March 28, 2017 Should be a requirement at every single restaurant https://t.co/1Po7Ybt6hK — Si?? (@siennaleona) March 28, 2017 I'm touched , things like thing make me beyond happy , blind people are some of the most genuine you'll ever meet in your life https://t.co/joTFVPly3h — S (@savannerssss) March 27, 2017 Annalicia now hopes more and more restaurants start using braille menus for helping brighten the lives of all visually-impaired. “It will be amazing if everyone else gets that experience”, she said, speaking to Buzzfeed. (WION)

A heartwarming story of two Ohio sisters, Alyssa and Annalicia, takes over the internet

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