Researchers have created an innovative device capable of converting thoughts about speech into verbal communication in real-time. Still in the experimental phase, this brain-computer interface (BCI) aims to empower individuals who are unable to speak.
A recent study showcased this device’s application on a 47-year-old woman with quadriplegia, who had not been able to speak for 18 years following a stroke. The device was implanted in her brain during a surgical procedure as part of a clinical trial. According to Gopala Anumanchipalli, a co-author of the study published in the journal Nature Neuroscience, the device "translates her intent to speak into fluent sentences."
Unlike existing BCIs, which often register a delay between thought and speech output that can hinder communication, this new device offers a more responsive experience, facilitating a natural flow to conversations. Jonathan Brumberg from the Speech and Applied Neuroscience Lab at the University of Kansas remarked that this represents "a pretty big advance in our field."
The breakthrough was achieved by recording brain activity while the participant mentally articulated sentences. The researchers leveraged a synthesiser designed to mimic her voice before her injury to produce speech sounds. An AI model was then trained to interpret the neural data into sound units, akin to systems for transcribing meetings or phone calls in real-time.
This implantable device operates by positioning itself on the brain’s speech centre, capturing signals that are translated into segments of speech. Each communication piece is sent to a recorder in rapid, 80-millisecond intervals—almost half a syllable—effectively creating a "streaming approach." This enables the device to process language continuously rather than waiting for a complete sentence to be formed, facilitating a seamless communication experience.
The rapid speech decoding paves the way for fluid dialogue, while utilising voice samples enhances the naturalness of the output. Although the project received some funding from the US National Institutes of Health, Anumanchipalli assured that it would not be affected by recent budget cuts.
Further research is necessary for practical application, but there is optimism that with ongoing investment, this life-changing technology could be accessible to patients within the next decade. The promise of giving a voice to those who have long been without it is now closer to realisation, thanks to innovative advancements in neuroscience and technology.