A recent breakthrough by scientists at the University of Texas at Austin could have life-changing implications for those who struggle with speaking. Researchers have devised an artificial intelligence technology that can decode neural activity in the brain and transform it into text. This technology, known as the Semantic Decoder, performs a kind of “brain-reading” in real-time, and could revolutionize the way people communicate.
The system is based on a transformer model, similar to those used in ChatGPT and Google’s Bard. It works by measuring brain activity using an fMRI scanner, then using the encoded signals to generate an uninterrupted text. The system can accurately capture the gist of a narrative, and doesn’t require any surgical implants, so it can be used without any invasive procedures.
Alex Huth, an associate professor of neuroscience and computer science at the University of Texas at Austin, believes that this technology marks a “real leap forward” compared to current language decoding methods which generally only produce single words or short sentences.
This technology could lend a powerful voice to those who may be physically unable to speak, such as stroke victims, and could change the lives of many. It may also become part of a wider range of communication methods, such as those used in gaming, teleconferencing, or even movies.
Though the system relies heavily on fMRI machines and is not currently practical for use outside the lab, there is hope that this technology could become more accessible in the future. Researchers are looking into adapting the system to more portable brain-imaging devices and addressing potential risks associated with misuse.
The University of Texas at Austin is one of the leading institutions for groundbreaking research in the field of artificial intelligence. Home to renowned AI experts such as Alex Huth, the university is at the forefront of developing cutting-edge technology that could revolutionize how people communicate and interact.
