Vocalization Control of a Mechanical Vocal System under Auditory Feedback

Abstract

We are developing a mechanical model of a human vocal system based on mechatronics technology. Although various ways of vocal sound production have been actively studied, mechanical construction is considered to advantageously realize natural vocalization with its fluid dynamics. In voice generation, analysis of the behavior of the vocal cords and the vocal tract are required in a mechanical system. Furthermore, fluid mechanics are less stable, making control more difficult. Several motors are used to manipulate the mechanical vocal system. A neural network works to establish relations between motor positions and produced vocal sounds by auditory feedback in the learning phase. In speech performance, the mechanical system is able to vocalize while vocal pitches and phonemes are adaptively controlled by auditory feedback control. This paper presents the construction of a mechanical vocal system and its adaptive acquisition of vocalization skills.