ATBU Student Engineers AI-Powered Glove to Convert Sign Language into Audible Speech

A final-year engineering student at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), Bauchi, Muhammad Habib Husaini, has developed an advanced wearable device known as the NHED Smart Glove—an assistive technology solution engineered to convert sign language into audible speech using sensor-based interpretation and real-time translation algorithms.

The glove, built from the ground up, integrates pressure-sensitive sensors and a microcontroller to accurately detect and interpret the user’s finger and hand gestures. These gestures are then processed and translated into spoken language, enabling real-time communication for individuals with hearing and speech impairments.

Speaking on the innovation, Husaini explained that the primary objective behind the development of the NHED Smart Glove is to deliver a cost-effective and accessible communication tool that empowers individuals who are deaf or mute to interact seamlessly with the wider society.

“This technology aims to bridge a long-standing communication gap and restore a sense of agency and inclusion to people living with speech disabilities,” he said.

The NHED Smart Glove stands as a testament to ATBU’s growing footprint in artificial intelligence (AI) and embedded systems, showcasing the university's contributions to solving real-world problems through indigenous innovation.

Industry experts and academic technologists have lauded the project as a milestone in Nigeria’s tech ecosystem, describing it as a significant stride in human-centered design, robotics, and accessible communication technologies.

With its potential applications spanning education, healthcare, and public service, the NHED Smart Glove could become a transformative tool in assistive communication, both within Nigeria and across global communities facing similar challenges.