Scientists create machine that reads and translates human thoughts to text in real-time

The idea of reading someone else’s mind might sound like something out of a fantasy novel, but scientists at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) claim to have made this possible. They have reportedly developed a machine that can translate human thoughts into text in real-time, boasting an impressive accuracy rate of 79%.

This breakthrough represents a significant advancement in brain-computer interface (BCI) technology, which has the potential to revolutionize human-machine interaction.

During the experiment, researchers implanted tiny electrodes into the brains of two participants. These participants were then asked to silently think of specific words. Remarkably, the machine was able to decode their thoughts with 79% accuracy.

However, it’s important to note that this technology is still in its infancy and currently limited to recognizing only six words. The participants were instructed to look at words on a screen and silently repeat each word multiple times over three days. The BCI implant detected the brain’s activity patterns, and a computer model attempted to identify the words being thought of.

While the current method involves surgically implanting electrodes into the brain, scientists are also investigating non-invasive techniques. One such method involves using fMRI scans to analyze brain activity. Although these non-invasive methods currently exhibit lower accuracy, they are considered more practical for widespread use in the future.

Once fully developed, this technology could greatly benefit patients with speech and non-verbal disorders, including stroke survivors and individuals who have lost their ability to speak. It could provide them with a vital means to express their thoughts and communicate effectively with others.