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On the Day for the Handicapped on April 20, Korea's Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute (ETRI) unveiled the latest technologies to bring about what it said is the 'IT Dream' for the disabled people. Among the products and technologies displayed on the day were:
Brain-Wave Keyboard - The 'Mouse-Wheelchair Control System' and 'Brain-Wave Keyboard' were developed to aid severely handicapped people who cannot use hands or legs. The product utilizes interface technologies based on bio signals. It allows a user to operate a PC, or play simple computerized games, as minute brain-wave signals are transmitted wireless to a PC.
Digital Home Server - A Digital Home Server, which has integrated the functions of a Home Gateway and a set-top box, allows severely handicapped people to use digital devices for housework such as turning on a lamp, opening a window, or shutting off a gas valve.
Recalling the Sign Language; ETRI said that it has filed an application for an international patent for identifying hand movements to control the volume and channels of a TV set. ETRI said this technology enables a computer or a robot identify hand signals or gestures and assist those handicapped with speaking or listening.
Robots for Reading; 'ETRO', an intelligent robot with an IQ of 40, can assist the visually disabled retrieve information from the surroundings such as placards, posters, and guideposts. The robot can also guide the handicapped to a destination according to his or her command and read aloud printed materials such as newspapers, textbooks and storybooks in lieu of the disabled. In the meantime, ETRI said 'Weber R1', a recently developed robot mounted with an encyclopedia, can respond to a voice command and relay various knowledge through voice.