Scientists have developed a brain-computer interface device that can translate thoughts about speech into spoken words in real time. The device was tested on a 47-year-old woman with quadriplegia who had not been able to speak for 18 years after a stroke. During a clinical trial, doctors implanted the device in her brain, which was able to convert her intent to speak into fluent sentences without the usual delays seen in other speech translation devices. The device works by recording the woman’s brain activity while she silently thinks about speaking sentences, and then using a synthesizer built with her pre-injury voice to create speech sounds that she would have made. An AI model then translates the neural activity into units of sound, allowing for real-time speech translation.
This advancement in brain-computer interface technology has the potential to give voice to those who are unable to speak due to various conditions. The device is designed to keep up with the fast pace of natural speech, allowing for more natural and fluent communication. While more research is needed before the technology is ready for widespread use, the researchers believe that with sustained investments, it could be available to patients within a decade. This breakthrough has the potential to significantly improve the quality of life for individuals who have lost the ability to speak.
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