A robot and special computer are helping new zealand blind children learn to write for the first time. The system works by combining a touchscreen computer and a robotic arm. As a teacher draws on the screen, a pen on the arm writes the shapes. The children hold the pen in one hand, learning the motion involved in drawing the shapes, while their other hand rests on a tactile pad, bringing up the letter shapes for them to feel. As they write, a computerised voice speaks the letters. The technology, borrowed from that used in virtual surgery, has gained its auckland university developer dr beryl plimmer international recognition.
