My nephew has a neurological problem which makes it difficult for him to speak clearly (among other things) and for several years he has had a speech synthesiser. This doesn't work quite the same as Stephen Hawkings': it is simplified for children's use, and features a large keyboard with a range of pre-recorded phrases, plus a facility to expand this range.

So - we have here a big electronic box, that can talk. Of course the makers call it 'Orac' - what else?

Anyway, rumour has it that a lot more of these are to be made, and distributed to disabled children in the UK, so look out the Orac's are coming.

heart of jarvik, voice of orac. What will medical science deliver next?

Alison

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