SpeechKraft was conceived to tackle the verbal communication hurdles faced by individuals with autism, including difficulties in sentence completion, pronunciation, and fluency. Recognizing that about 25-30% of autistic individuals struggle with these aspects, the innovation utilizes AI with the aim to provide a supportive, non-judgmental learning tool for enhancing verbal communication skills.
SpeechKraft operates as a hands-on educational tool. It integrates a Raspberry Pi microcontroller, a microphone for capturing speech, and a speaker for auditory feedback, encased in a user-friendly, 3D-printed structure for ease of handling. At its core, the tool employs the Llama language model, meticulously fine-tuned to recognize and address specific speech-related issues such as incomplete sentences, complex word usage, mispronunciations, lisping, and stuttering.
When a user speaks into the microphone, their speech is instantly transcribed into text via advanced speech-to-text technology. The AI analyzes this text in real-time, identifying areas for improvement. It then provides immediate, constructive feedback through the speaker or display screen, offering corrections, completing sentences, and suggesting simpler terms without any judgment. This process aids in practicing language skills and also significantly boosts the user's confidence in their ability to communicate.
SpeechKraft's spread is notably achieved through strategic avenues:
-Competitions and Fairs: Showcased at national and international events like the IRIS National Fair and Regeneron ISEF, SpeechKraft has garnered attention and accolades, enhancing its visibility within the scientific and educational communities.
-Expert Collaboration: Engagement with speech therapists, audiologists, and educators in its development has not only refined the tool but also facilitated its introduction into therapeutic and educational settings, leveraging expert networks for wider adoption.
-Community and Volunteering: By involving students, educators, and community members in feedback sessions and awareness campaigns, SpeechKraft fosters grassroots support and advocacy, promoting a community-driven approach
Please reach out to Keyaan Shah and Ahaan Shah, the innovators behind SpeechKraft, via their provided email addresses (1keyaanshah@gmail.com for Keyaan Shah and 1ahaanshah@gmail.com for Ahaan Shah) to express your interest in trying the tool. We can provide the most current information on SpeechKraft.