Project Reference: SCEBE/21S/001/RG
Visually impaired individuals have limited accessibility to information and technological solutions to improve their daily lives. Machine learning, data analytics and the internet-of-things (IoT) within recent years have converged and have achieved technological solutions previously unobtainable. Current speaker-based speech interaction solutions, involving Amazon Alexa devices are limited in suitability, information accessibility and interaction for the visually impaired. Additionally, these devices lack detailed relevant local information, which is currently supported with charity volunteers reading newspaper articles and creating custom content for the visually impaired.
The proposed project would aim to leverage digital technology with data science, artificial intelligence and IoT to enhance daily lives with a new wave of smart speaker technology for improving accessibility and interaction with visually impaired individuals. This project would help evaluate the current needs through a detailed review with the stake holders (visually impaired and charity support) to determine the project direction and implementation of IoT speakers’ systems.
The studentship will explore: 1) Consultancy with visually impaired for smart speaker system design, 2) improving speech interaction and content accessibility, and 3) using machine learning to improve content delivery within daily lives.
This studentship will be supervised by academic researchers across the School of Computing, Engineering and Built Environment and the School of Health and Life Sciences. The PhD student will preferably have a background in Electronic Engineering or Computer Science. Applications from health-based backgrounds will also be considered, where applicants have an aptitude for programming and awareness of electronic systems.
The successful applicant would be working together with charities and visually impaired individuals to produce real-world impact and align with GCU’s ‘The Common Good’ and UN Sustainability Development Goals. The project would be supported by two charities; British Wireless for the Blind and Cue & Review. The charities are extremely keen to progress with the project.
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