Hardware Podcasts

Inside Samantha Johnson's quest to build robots for deafblind people

The Robot Report Podcast · 11 Nov 2022 · 1h 01m

What this episode covers

Samantha Johnson, founder and CEO of Boston-based startup Tatum Robotics, explains the design of an anthropomorphic robotic hand that replicates tactile sign language for people with deafblindness. She details the mechanical challenges of creating a safe, compliant 18-degree-of-freedom hand using flexible materials and the software challenges of translating English to ASL without sufficient training data. Johnson discusses the company's early-stage validation process, including motion capture with native signers and pilot studies, and highlights the critical need for robust remote diagnostics since users cannot troubleshoot the device themselves.

Most relevant to

early-stage companies

Topics

Mentioned

Companies
Tatum Robotics, Spacey, Bossa Nova, Velodyne, Ouster, Perkins School for the Blind, Mass Robotics, Northeastern University
Also
American Sign Language, Braille

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