Talk nicely to your machine

VLH Controls, Inc. (www.vlhcontrols.com) offers a wireless voice control system for use in metal fabrication and other shop applications. According to the company, the Active Listening Voice Command (ALVC) System reduces repetitive stress injuries, allows for immediate stops in emergencies, and may reduce waste due to unintentional device activation. Noise-canceling microphones and software algorithms allow the system to operate in high-noise (75 to 93 dB) environments. The software recognizes commands in more than a dozen languages, and the system's hardware can function either as a standalone device, in conjunction with safety systems, or in parallel with manual controls.