Wearable AI system to collect and analyze AAC language data in kids
Official title: Breaking new ground in augmentative and alternative communication: developing wearable technology for automatic collection and analysis of language data using artificial intelligence
Funded at University of New Hampshire · NIH-11324947 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A small NIH-funded project will test a wearable ring and AI tools to automatically collect and analyze language samples from children who use AAC devices.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of New Hampshire NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $190,805 |
| NIH project number | 5R21DC021808-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11324947 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Children aged 0-21 who rely on AAC devices and their caregivers.
✕Less likely to help
Children who do not use AAC devices or who are not able to participate in wearable data collection may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project aims to make language data from AAC users easier to collect and analyze by using a wearable finger ring and an AI data portal. Researchers will develop methods to capture how kids press and time AAC device interactions, then turn that data into useful expressive language measures. The work focuses on improving how clinicians monitor progress and tailor interventions over time. It involves a short-term, early-stage study to create a usable system for real-world clinical use.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, it could help speech-language pathologists track AAC effectiveness more quickly and personalize support for children with limited speech.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work shows that automated data collection can inform AAC decisions, but this is an early-stage development with novel wearable and AI components.
Where this research is happening
-
University of New Hampshire
Durham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chen, Szu-Han K — University of New Hampshire
- Study coordinator: Chen, Szu-Han K
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.