This mind-reading AI tool turns thoughts into text! Better than Elon Musk's Neuralink?
15.12.2023 - 09:15
/ tech.hindustantimes.com
/ Ai
We may have read fiction and seen Hollywood movies where some people can read other people's, and pets', thoughts, but now, we have a living example of a tool that actually goes ahead and does it, courtesy artificial intelligence (AI). It is nothing short of a miracle! Researchers at the University of Technology Sydney's GrapheneX-UTS Human-centric Artificial Intelligence Centre have introduced a groundbreaking device, the world's first mind-reading helmet. This portable and non-invasive invention translates silent thoughts into written text, offering a vital means of communication for individuals with conditions hindering speech, such as paralysis or stroke. Additionally, it holds promise for seamless interaction between humans and machines, potentially enhancing control over robots and bionic arms. With AI likely to keep making the kind of progress it is making now, clearly, the sky is the limit as far as this tool is concerned. The participants wore a cap equipped with an electroencephalogram (EEG) to capture brain activity while silently reading texts. The sensors detected thinking moments, recorded brain waves, and utilised an AI model named DeWave to transform these waves into coherent text. A video demonstration showcased a participant thinking a complex message, with the AI accurately rendering the thought into written form.
Director of the GrapheneX-UTS HAI Centre, CT Lin, led the research, highlighting the pioneering nature of the effort. This breakthrough incorporates discrete encoding techniques in brain-to-text translation, pushing the boundaries of neural decoding. The integration with large language models opens new frontiers in neuroscience and AI. You can check out the study here.
Despite challenges, the study achieved a 40% success rate among the 29 participants, with the model demonstrating proficiency in matching verbs. Notably, difficulties arose in precise noun translations, leading to synonyms pairs. However, the model's meaningful results aligning keywords and forming coherent structures indicate its potential. Also read: Utilize the power of generative AI to increase productivity: Know how Google Bard can help
While the EEG signals from the cap result in a noisier output compared to implanted electrodes, the study surpassed previous benchmarks in EEG translation. The researchers emphasised the non-invasive, cost-effective, and easily transportable nature of their technology, distinguishing it from Elon Musk's Neuralink, a brain-chip startup undergoing human trials for paralysis patients.
Musk's Neuralink aims for surgical insertions of brain-computer interface (BCI) implants, initially enabling control of a computer cursor or keyboard through thoughts alone. Musk envisions broader