When we are born, the first thing we do is announce our entrance by crying– and even screaming– to let our mothers know about our needs. From this moment on, we almost never stop communicating. Communication is incredibly important for humans, as it’s how we get fed, clothed, loved, and cared for. However, for some individuals, the ability to communicate has been compromised due to conditions such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), stroke, locked-in syndrome, or severe paralysis resulting from spinal cord injuries. These conditions may render individuals “voiceless” – unable to articulate their thoughts and feelings through typical means. While there have been previous advancements in assistive communication devices, a neuroprosthesis device called a brain-computer interface (BCI) being developed at Stanford University is making waves.
Traditionally, individuals with severe communication impairments have relied on assistive technologies such as Stephen Hawking’s iconic speech-generating device. These devices, although revolutionary in their own right, often require painstakingly slow methods of input. For instance, some users had to select letters or words using a head-mounted pointer or eye-tracking technology. While these devices are invaluable, they are limited by the relatively slow pace of communication they allow.
What sets BCI technology apart is its direct interface with the human brain. Rather than relying on physical movements or eye tracking, neuroprostheses decode brain signals to enable communication. This technology bypasses the need for any physical input, offering a lifeline to individuals who have lost all voluntary muscle control.
Brain-computer interfaces may help those with limited movement communicate faster.
Image Credit: funky-data
Neuroprostheses operate by implanting electrodes directly into the brain or on the surface of the brain. These electrodes pick up electrical signals generated by the brain when a person thinks about moving or speaking. Advanced algorithms then translate these signals into commands for communication devices.
Although this methodology obviously has immense potential, the technology is still new and it will be a while before it is ready for widespread use. However, the BCI being studied at Stanford has made significant progress. When tested on a 50-word list, a patient using their BCI achieved only a 9.3% error rate – 2.7 times more accurate than the previous record. They were also able to decode sentences at a rate of 62 words per minute, which is significantly faster than eye-tracking-assisted communication (which can typically do 5-30 words per minute).
By directly tapping into the human brain’s capabilities, neuroprostheses offer newfound hope and freedom to individuals who have been silenced by debilitating conditions. As this technology continues to advance, it promises to redefine what is possible for those who have long yearned for the simple, yet profound, act of speaking their minds.
Featured Image Source: Ellagrin
