Scientists at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology are developing an audio reading device that will read aloud printed words to those who are vision impaired.

The ‘FingerReader’ prototype was created by a 3D Printer and is designed to sit on the user’s index finger like a ring.

The device is small, made of plasticine and fitted with a small camera that scans text while a synthesized voice will read the words aloud in real time.

The FingerReader will quickly translate books, menus and other every day materials to its user, aiming to offer affordable and immediate access to printed text to those who are vision impaired.

The prototype can currently only read type as small as 12 point printed text, but researchers Roy Shilkrot and Joy Huber aspire to develop the product further and to the point where it could even offer translation of text to other languages.