24 July 2008

Artificial tongue mimics human speech

The pink, fleshy tongue curls up and down inside the bare skull's jaws as it talks, as if mouthing a silent prayer. This is no excerpt from a bad horror film, but an animatronic tongue designed to improve the accuracy of speech-recognition software.

"The tongue is designed to improve speech-recognition software". Existing systems are only reliable if people talk in a steady, uniform manner. In reality, speech varies depending on where you are and what you're doing. For example, you may start slurring your words when you become tired.

This article continues in issue 2666 of New Scientist magazine, 23 July 2008, page 26. The online version of this article includes a short video.