Discover the incredible technology that turns brain signals into spoken words. This breakthrough offers hope for those facing communication challenges. Explore the future of speech prosthetics.
A groundbreaking collaboration between Duke neuroscientists and engineers has led to the development of a speech prosthetic that transforms brain signals into spoken words. This promising technology could potentially restore communication for individuals facing neurological challenges. This incredible device can translate your thoughts into spoken words, offering a ray of hope for individuals with speech difficulties. Let’s know more about this fascinating innovation!
In a remarkable stride towards advancing communication technology, a team of Duke neuroscientists, neurosurgeons, and engineers has unveiled a groundbreaking speech prosthetic. This cutting-edge technology, outlined in the study titled “High-resolution Neural Recordings Improve the Accuracy of Speech Decoding” published in Nature Communications, holds the potential to empower individuals with neurological disorders, such as ALS or locked-in syndrome, to communicate using a brain-computer interface.
Current communication tools for people with motor disorders are often slow , limiting their ability to express themselves effectively. Imagine listening to an audiobook at half its normal speed – this is similar to the current rate of speech decoding. While people typically speak at around 150 words per minute, current technology lags behind at just 78 words per minute.
The reason for this delay is the limited number of sensors that can be placed on a thin material covering the brain’s surface. With fewer sensors, the information available for decoding is reduced.
To overcome this, experts from Duke Institute for Brain Sciences came together. They managed to fit an impressive 256 microscopic brain sensors onto a small piece of flexible, medical-grade plastic. These sensors are crucial in accurately predicting intended speech.
In experiments, participants listened to a series of nonsense words and then repeated them. The device recorded the brain activity, involving nearly 100 muscles, responsible for coordinating speech movements.
The results were impressive. The decoder accurately predicted certain sounds up to 84% of the time.
While this technology shows great promise, there is still work to be done to make it more practical. The team is currently working on a wireless version of the device, which would provide greater mobility for users.
Though the technology is not yet at the point of matching natural speech, the progress made is significant. With continued development, there is hope that this neural prosthetic could one day revolutionize communication for those facing speech challenges.