After Ann Johnson suffered a stroke 18 years ago, she became paralyzed and lost the ability to speak. Now, with the help of a brain implant and artificial intelligence, she is able to communicate verbally again through a digital avatar.
In a study published [August 23] in the journal Nature, researchers implanted an array of electrodes on the surface of Ann’s brain to transmit her brain activity to computers. There, A.I. algorithms translate the signals to words. After a brief delay, the on-screen avatar speaks Ann’s words out loud and captures her sentiment with facial expressions.
Ann currently communicates using a device that allows her to type words on a screen by moving her head, according to a statement from UCSF. That device only produces 14 words per minute—spoken human conversation, on the other hand, averages about 160 words per minute. But with the new interface, which Ann can only use as part of the study, she can produce 78 words per minute, bringing her closer to a natural speaking cadence. The device deciphered her intended speech with around 75 percent accuracy.
