Non-Invasive Wearable Technology Translates Thoughts into Speech

With increasing interest in surgically implanted brain devices, a question arises: could a novel non-invasive wearable technology, capable of converting thoughts into spoken words, offer a simpler solution for individuals facing communication difficulties? Gus Alexiou investigates this possibility. Chris Benedict, aged 41, performs as a DJ at various clubs and events throughout Santa Barbara, USA, using the moniker DJ of Ability. While he receives assistance from a team for equipment setup and unloading at his gigs, engaging an audience in noisy venues presents a particular challenge. Chris lives with cerebral palsy, which affects his speech and necessitates the use of a motorized wheelchair. He states, “People often struggle with what I am trying to communicate,” adding, “This is a barrier that makes daily life difficult.” He occasionally resorts to extensive descriptive explanations to convey his message, as he struggles to articulate specific words, such as “chocolate.” He comments, “As you can imagine, this can be time-consuming, frustrating and exhausting.” The technology firm Cognixion aims to address the communication challenges experienced by Chris. This California-based company has developed a head-mounted device named the Cognixion ONE. It features a visor and resembles a virtual reality (VR) headset. Inside the visor, it presents pre-programmed commands, for instance: “Please can I have a cup of coffee?” or “My name is Chris”. Users select a desired command by fixating their gaze on it. Six electrodes integrated into the headset then interpret the user’s visual cortex brainwaves to identify the chosen command. Upon selection, the command is either vocalized electronically or displayed as scrolling text on the visor. This system differs from eyegaze technology as it does not incorporate cameras or eye-tracking. This design can mitigate the fatigue some users experience when needing to keep their eyes stationary to maintain a cursor or pointer on a specific icon. Users can also formulate spontaneous sentences at an approximate rate of 30 words per minute. While this speed is not exceptionally rapid, being four times slower than broadcast speech, the designers assert it is sufficient for fundamental conversations and for effective communication with others. Andreas Forsland, CEO of Cognixion, states: “It’s all about the power of conversation.” He elaborates, “Once someone can have a simple conversation, all kinds of opportunities open up. You can develop friendships, you can answer questions, you can have more independence or just go buy a coffee.” Beyond facilitating human-to-human interaction, the technology is capable of integrating with Amazon Alexa to execute pre-programmed household functions, such as activating lights. Andreas explains: “Imagine someone who’s unable to communicate but entirely cognitively intact. What we’ve had to think about is how we can help people bypass their body, bypass the meat and the nervous system and get right to the outcomes by controlling things through mental fixation.” Chris was among the initial individuals to test the Cognixion ONE during its prototype phase. He remarks, “Being able to connect with those around me immediately, without any delay, makes it like I’m not locked in when I can’t get the words out,” adding, “And there is no guessing about what I’m trying to say. I feel truly heard.” In addition to his ventures in space exploration and electric vehicles, tech entrepreneur Elon Musk is involved with Neuralink, a company investigating the viability of directly implanting probes into the human brain to enable wireless communication with devices like phones and computers. Musk considers the integration of brain and machine essential for maintaining human dominance over rapidly advancing AI technology. He anticipates that his innovative brain implants will eventually become as ubiquitous as owning an iPhone. For individuals experiencing physical and communication challenges, these technological aspirations present numerous opportunities, including the ability to control robotic limbs or operate mobility devices solely through mental command. However, Dr. Tom Chau, a specialist in communication disorders at the Holland Bloomview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital in Toronto, expresses a cautionary perspective. He suggests that wearable versions offer more benefits, and their implantable equivalents might be an excessive measure. He states, “Implant procedures carry a risk of infection, haemorrhage, and tissue injury,” adding, “There are reports of degraded signal quality over time from implanted devices and hence a subsequent surgery may be required.” Conversely, he notes the advantages of wearable systems, such as the one Chris is currently testing. “For one, users are no longer tethered to a computer display and are thus free to move through their environment,” he explains. US telecommunications behemoth Verizon has identified the potential of the Cognixion ONE. The company has incorporated the assisted reality startup into its Forward For Good team, which collaborates with socially conscious startups. The device is anticipated to be commercially available to consumers by the close of 2025, pending approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which has committed to expediting the review process. For Chris, the technology’s promise is compelling. Accustomed to social environments and noisy clubs, he states it has simplified his professional life and rendered “all my interactions more enjoyable rather than a basic conversation being taxing and frustrating.” He adds: “I can connect with my crowd better. Plus, it looks super cool and is something I actually want to use when I’m out and about.” Additional information and support are accessible on the Access All homepage, where the podcast can also be heard. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the content of external websites. Information regarding its approach to external linking is available.