Independently Accessible Tactile Sign

Tatum1 is a robotic system that translates English into tactile fingerspelling, enabling DeafBlind individuals to accurately and comfortably receive voice and text communications in real-time.

Tatum envisions a world where DeafBlind individuals can access media, explore subjects at their convenience, and interact in their preferred language while maintaining autonomy and control of their experience.

Learn More About Tatum1
  • Tatum1 was developed by a team of mechanical, electrical, hardware, and software engineers, as well as linguists and a DeafBlind team.

  • DeafBlind community members advise us about diversity, language variability, and components of the Tatum system.

  • We are committed to ensuring that discoveries are ethical and promote the advancement of all.

Meet our friend, Tatum!

Tatum1 has been designed for and with the DeafBlind community.

With direct support and input from over 150 DeafBlind individuals around the world, Tatum1 is truly the first technology of its kind.

  • I’m shocked… I want to cry, not because I am sad, but because I am very happy!

    - Marianne H.

  • Fun! With some practice I could use this every day. I'll learn so much from using this!

    - Steffy M

  • This is so new, this robot is awesome. It looks just like a human hand. Wow!

    - Julia M.

  • This robot was so easy to use! My husband and I both understood it so quickly!

    - Liz W. & Ronald J.

Safe, Adaptable & Effective.

Accurate and Precise

Features realistic handshapes for natural representation.

Safe and Convenient

Ensures flexible movements and safety features for reliable use.

Customizable

Utilizes a cloud system for data storage and adjustable speed settings for user preference.
Discover Tatum1

Our Incredible Partners!

Award Highlights

Meet Our Founder: Samantha Johnson

I met a DeafBlind person (now Tatum Crew member, Elaine!) for the first time as an undergraduate at Northeastern University. After meeting her, I was motivated to learn more about living with deafblindness. Working with students at the Perkins School for the Blind, as well as adults involved with the DeafBlind Contact Center (DBCC), I learned about the lack of communication options.
When I started my master’s program, the COVID pandemic forced social distancing, causing increased isolation and an intensified shortage of crucial interpreting services. The DBCC and I began working together to make a fingerspelling robotic hand as my master’s thesis.
After I graduated, with overwhelming encouragement from DeafBlind individuals, I founded Tatum Robotics to develop assistive technology to support the DeafBlind community. I am so excited as this student dream becomes a reality, and a huge thank you to everyone who has contributed!
- Samantha