UmeedVR (US)

School: University of California San Diego
Website: https://www.instagram.com/umeedvr/

UmeedVR is a groundbreaking project aimed at addressing communication challenges faced by individuals with speech disorders, such as Autism Spectrum Disorder and Aphasia Post Stroke. Leveraging virtual reality (VR) technology, it offers a unique solution for speech therapy and skill enhancement.

In UmeedVR, users are immersed in three interactive 3D environments: a bakery shop, library, and park. Within these virtual settings, they engage in conversations with AI chatbots named Ram, Alex, and Lisa. These chatbots guide users through various tasks, including oral expressions, cognition exercises, naming and identification challenges, arithmetic problems, and auditory comprehension exercises.

The project's core innovation lies in its use of natural language processing (NLP) and AI to assess and improve users' speech and communication abilities. It begins by converting users' real-time voice inputs into text, which is then processed through NLP algorithms to identify relevant words and topics. These words are categorized based on their context within the conversations and associated with specific environments. For instance, if a user mentions "cake," it is linked to the bakery environment.

To further enhance the effectiveness of the VR experience, UmeedVR employs topic modeling and coherence analysis. It evaluates the coherence of topics discussed during conversations and uses latent semantic analysis (LSA) to extract meaningful insights. The LSA model identifies patterns, linguistic nuances, and word associations, allowing for personalized feedback and progress tracking.

Working with multiple instutitions, I am now developing this for beta data collection and analysis at UC San Diego as a freshman. From testing my projects with therapists, NGOs in India to the beta stage, it has been a long journey full of tinkering!

UmeedVR aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being. By providing an innovative and accessible platform for speech therapy and communication improvement, the project contributes to the well-being and quality of life of individuals with speech disorders. It promotes inclusivity and equal access to vital services, empowering individuals to communicate effectively and participate fully in their communities.

Moreover, UmeedVR has the potential to scale its impact, reaching underserved populations globally who may lack access to traditional speech therapy resources. By harnessing technology for social good, this project exemplifies the potential of VR and AI to address critical challenges and advance the UN SDGs, ultimately fostering a more inclusive and equitable society.

Sustainable Development Goals:
UmeedVR's impact aligns with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), contributing to positive outcomes in various areas:

Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being

- UmeedVR offers accessible speech therapy and communication improvement, directly enhancing the well-being of individuals with speech disorders.

- Improved communication skills foster better mental health by reducing frustration and isolation, contributing to overall well-being.

Goal 4: Quality Education

- UmeedVR facilitates learning and skill development, especially in the realm of speech and communication.

- It promotes quality education by creating an engaging and immersive educational experience, enhancing the learning journey for individuals with speech disorders.

Goal 5: Gender Equality

- By improving communication skills, UmeedVR benefits women and girls who may be disproportionately affected by speech disorders.

- It fosters gender equality by ensuring everyone, regardless of gender, has an equal opportunity to communicate effectively.

Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

- As UmeedVR expands its reach, it can create economic opportunities within the field of virtual therapy and assistive technologies.

- This contributes to decent work and economic growth by supporting the development of a new sector focused on improving communication for individuals with speech disorders.

Goal 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

- UmeedVR represents a convergence of technology (VR, NLP, AI) and healthcare, showcasing innovative solutions in the healthcare industry.

- It demonstrates how technology can improve healthcare outcomes, making it more efficient and accessible.

Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities

- UmeedVR reduces inequalities by addressing the unique needs of individuals with speech disorders, allowing them to overcome communication barriers.

- It promotes inclusivity and equal access to vital services, empowering individuals to participate fully in society.

Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

- By offering virtual therapy environments, UmeedVR promotes sustainable and inclusive urbanization.

- It contributes to creating accessible and inclusive public spaces where everyone, including individuals with speech disorders, can engage in community life.

Goal 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

- Effective communication is essential for the functioning of just and inclusive societies.

- UmeedVR indirectly contributes to the promotion of peace, justice, and strong institutions by enabling individuals to better express themselves and access essential services.

Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals

- UmeedVR exemplifies the importance of partnerships and collaboration.

- It is the result of a concerted effort involving tech developers, therapists, educators, and individuals with speech disorders, showcasing the value of partnerships in achieving all SDGs.

In essence, UmeedVR's impact is multifaceted, touching upon various SDGs by addressing communication challenges and improving the well-being and inclusivity of individuals with speech disorders through innovative technology-driven solutions.