A revolutionary breakthrough in assisted communication has been achieved by researchers at the University of California, Berkeley. This team has developed a brain implant that, using artificial intelligence (AI), translates brain activity into words in near real time.
The device, a brain-computer interface (BCI), uses 253 electrodes placed on the surface of the brain to record speech-related neural signals. These signals are decoded by AI algorithms, transforming them into audible words through a synthetic voice system.
A pioneering case and its future implications
The first patient to test this technology was Ann, a woman who suffered a stroke in 2005, which left her unable to speak. During testing, Ann tried to mentally pronounce words displayed on a screen, and the system was able to translate her thoughts into a synthesized version of her voice.
This breakthrough promises to transform the lives of people with severe disabilities, such as paralysis or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), by restoring their ability to communicate more naturally.
Although still in development, researchers are working to reduce latency to achieve more fluid communication.
This achievement marks a milestone in the integration of neuroscience and artificial intelligence, opening up new possibilities for assisted communication.
Emerging technologies in thought translation
In addition to the brain implant developed at the University of California, there are other promising technologies that seek to translate thoughts into words or actions.
Researchers at the GrapheneX-UTS Centre for Human-Centric Artificial Intelligence at the University of Technology Sydney have developed a non-invasive system that uses electroencephalograms (EEG) to decode silent thoughts and convert them into text.
This approach eliminates the need for brain implants, offering a more affordable alternative, he reported.
Another notable application is the use of similar technologies to control devices such as bionic arms or robots. These brain-computer interfaces allow users to operate devices using their minds, opening up new possibilities for people with physical disabilities.
