New Baton Helps Blind Musicians Follow Conductor

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Category: Technology/Innovations

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Unlocking Word Meanings

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.

  1. impaired / ɪmˈpeɚd / (adj) – damaged; not functioning well
    Example:

    The new hearing aid allows people with impaired hearing to listen to music.


  2. prototype / ˈproʊtəˌtaɪp / (n) – the first model of something from which another thing is formed
    Example:

    The company is currently developing the prototype of its new phone model.


  3. on cue / ɑːn kjuː / (idiom) – at the right time or moment
    Example:

    The coach’s signals allowed the athletes to attack their opponents on cue together.


  4. motion / ˈmoʊʃən / (n) – the act of making movements
    Example:

    I followed the dance instructor’s motions during the workshop.


  5. clear the way / kliɚ ðə weɪ / (idiom) – to remove challenges in order to allow something to happen
    Example:

    The device clears the way for blind people to move freely by allowing them to sense obstacles in their environment.


Article

Read the text below.

A new baton enables visually-impaired musicians to follow an orchestra conductor’s movements.


The Haptic Baton, which is a wand-like instrument, was developed by Vahakn Matossian [vuh–HA-kuhn muh–TOH-see-uhn], a computer and electronics designer. Matossian made the technology based on a prototype created by his father, who is a composer.


The device can be used by an orchestra conductor to lead musicians who are either sightless or are able to see. It also makes things easier for visually-impaired musicians by allowing them to sense the conductor’s movements and play on cue.


The Haptic Baton contains microchips that can detect even the slightest actions of the conductor. Using wireless signals, the special baton sends the conductor’s motions to devices that musicians wear on their wrists or ankles. The devices convert these motions into vibrations and buzzes, which the musicians can feel. As a result, the musicians are able to follow the baton’s rhythm. The technology works even when the musician is away from the conductor.


Several sightless musicians who performed through the aid of the baton shared their positive experiences. Abi Baker, a violinist, commented that feeling the baton’s signals allowed her to play at the same pace as the other violinists. Similarly, pianist Kevin Satizabal, who used to stay near the conductor in order to perform, said that the Haptic Baton allowed him to sense the conductor’s movements better. Satizabal added that the technology will clear the way for more visually-impaired musicians to join orchestras.


The device is currently unavailable to the public as it is still under development and testing. Nevertheless, Matossian hopes to make the technology ready for use by 2020.


Viewpoint Discussion

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.

Discussion A

• Do you think the Haptic Baton needs to be further improved before it becomes available to the public? Explain.
• If you could develop a similar technology for blind musicians, what would it be? What would be some of its features? Discuss.

Discussion B

• Do you think developing the right technology is enough to aid people with disabilities? Explain.
• If you were given the chance to develop a technology for people with disabilities (other than blind musicians), who would these people be (e.g. disabled athletes)? Discuss.