There is a new breakthrough in the field of artificial intelligence (AI) that allows for the translation of silent thoughts into text without the need for invasive surgeries. Australian researchers have developed a non-invasive AI system called DeWave that can accurately read minds and convert thoughts into written words.
The team behind DeWave used data from more than two dozen people to refine their methodology. Participants wore a specialized cap that recorded their brain waves, specifically electroencephalogram (EEG) signals, and translated them into text. While DeWave achieved about 40 percent accuracy in trials conducted by computer scientist Chin-Teng Lin from the University of Technology Sydney, there is room for improvement.
The potential impact of DeWave is substantial. With further development, this technology could open up new possibilities for communication between stroke and paralysis victims, as well as individuals operating robotics and prosthetic arms. The goal is to increase the accuracy of DeWave to about 90 percent, comparable to speech recognition software or traditional language translation techniques.
The research represents a pioneering effort in translating raw EEG waves directly into language, said Lin. It is the first to incorporate discrete encoding techniques in the brain-to-text translation process, introducing an innovative approach to neural decoding.
Unlike other approaches that require invasive procedures or expensive equipment, DeWave offers a non-intrusive solution. It eliminates the need for implanting electrodes or relying on large MRI machines. Additionally, DeWave does not require eye-tracking technology, which is often necessary to translate brain signals into words.
Elon Musk’s Neuralink is another notable technology in this field. It received FDA approval for human clinical trials earlier this year. However, the trial results are closely monitored, as this marks the first direct connection between technology and the human brain.
In a related development, a woman diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) was able to speak again after 13 years thanks to brain chip technology. The woman, Pat Bennett, had four tiny sensors implanted in her brain, which allowed her thoughts to be transmitted to a computer monitor. The technology achieved a remarkable speed of 62 words per minute, surpassing previous records.
Professor Philip Sabes, co-founder of Neuralink and an expert in brain-machine interfaces, hailed this breakthrough as significant. He recognized the potential of these advancements in improving the lives of individuals with neurological conditions.
As research continues in the field of non-invasive AI systems like DeWave and Neuralink, the possibilities for enhancing communication and quality of life are expanding. The goal is to refine these technologies further, making them more accurate and accessible to a wider range of individuals. With further advancements, the prospect of translating thoughts into text may become a reality for many people worldwide.
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