A student of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Muhammad Habib Husaini, has broken new ground in the field of assistive technology with the invention of a smart glove capable of converting sign language into speech.
Habib, a student of Computer and Communication Engineering at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), Bauchi, designed the device-named the NHED Smart Glove-to help individuals with hearing and speech impairments communicate more effectively with those around them.
The prototype glove uses pressure sensors to detect hand movements and gestures.
These signals are then processed by an ESP32 microcontroller, which forwards the data to an SD card module.
The system responds by producing audio that matches the intended sign, effectively translating gestures into spoken words in real time.
What makes this achievement even more impressive is that Habib built the device entirely from scratch using locally sourced components.
According to him, the project was not only a technical feat but a personal mission to make communication easier and more inclusive for people with speech challenges.
"This glove is more than a piece of technology," Habib said. "With the NHED Smart Glove, we are not just building a device; we are also restoring dignity and bridging the gaps in communication."
He explained that the NHED Smart Glove is designed to be an affordable alternative to existing high-tech communication aids, aiming to make this kind of assistive technology more accessible in Nigeria and beyond.
The innovation has sparked excitement among the ATBU community, with many hailing it as a major step forward in the application of Artificial Intelligence and engineering for social good.
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