New Smart Gloves ‘could allow stroke patients to relearn how to play the piano’


A new pair of Smart Gloves could be used to help stroke patients who are suffering from limb weakness to relearn how to play the piano, research has indicated.

Machine learning mitts can assist hand movements – Scientists have developed an exoskeleton glove or robo-glove that features machine learning algorithms, fingertip sensors and moving components known as actuators, which mimic hand movements. The theory is that it can ‘teach’ the wearer how to play the piano again by guiding them on where they’re going right and wrong.

Dr Erik Engeberg, a professor at Florida Atlantic University’s department of ocean and mechanical engineering, is quoted as saying: “We found that the glove can learn to distinguish between correct and incorrect piano play.

“This means it could be a valuable tool for personalised rehabilitation of people who wish to relearn to play music.”

The study, which has been published in Frontiers in Robotics and AI, indicates that the gloves are capable of detecting where a player went wrong during their performance, so that they know where they need to improve.

“While wearing the glove, human users have control over the movement of each finger to a significant extent,” says Dr Erik Engeberg.

“The glove is designed to assist and enhance their natural hand movements, allowing them to control the flexion and extension of their fingers.

“The glove supplies hand guidance, providing support and amplifying dexterity.”

Having provided a proof of concept, the researchers say that more work is now needed to make the gloves more accurate and adaptable. But they hope that in future, stroke patients and other people with disabilities could use these gloves to regain arm function, but the glove can easily be adapted to help relearn other daily tasks.

Akai MPK mini MK3 USB Midi Keyboard Controller


AKAI Professional MPK Mini MK3 | 25 Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller

You would not feel disappointed if you buy one!

Akai’s Professional  MPK Mini MK3 is the world’s best-selling USB MIDI keyboard controller, and now looks slicker, affordable and plays better.

The AKAI MPK mini MK3 features a new keybed, endless rotary knobs and an OLED display. It also comes with a comprehensive software package.

Described as a musical Swiss Army Knife, gets an improved keybed, though this again features 25 keys. This is joined by eight MPC performance pads, eight endless rotary knobs and a 4-way joystick for pitch and modulation control. In addition, parameter feedback comes from an OLED display, while performance features include note repeat on the pads and a built-in arpeggiator. The Bundled software comprises MPC Beats, Akai’s new free beat-making DAW – plus expansions, and Air Hybrid, Mini Grand and Velvet.

Akai is promising universal compatibility from the Akai MPK mini mk3 – hence you can plug in and play without installing any drivers. What is more, you can select the correct mode for the DAW you are currently using.

The Akai MPK mini mk3 USB MIDI Keyboard Controller is available now in standard, white and black color. The Akai MPK mini MK3 costs $119.

Novation Bass Station II Analog Synthesizer

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Musikmesse 2013 – A Classic Synthesizer re-worked for the 21st Century with 70’s thinking. The new Novation Bass Station II is an analogue mono-synth based on the classic original Novation BassStation. The Bass Station II features 25 full sized ‘synth-action’ keyboard with aftertouch, two filters, two oscillators and a sub-oscillator, patch save capability, and analog effects, a step-sequencer, arpeggiator, onboard modulation, and MIDI and USB.

The Novation Bass Station II layout and controls are very much in keeping with the original, and feel solid. The case is a more muted gray, and not as loud as some recent Novation outings. The cooler features on the Bass Station II: LFO slew, hard oscillator sync, and velocity mapping are very nice, indeed. And this does qualify as “analog,” with an analog signal path and analog filters, even with a switchable diode filter modeled on the 303 for what Novation describes as “acid” and “squelchy” sounds. And you get lots of hands-on controls for the synth, a welcome feature.

The new Bass Station II is improved, expanded, and more connected. This is yet another entry from OSCar and Wasp creator Chris Huggett, who contributed to some legendary synth designs and has continued to work with Novation.

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