Technology Desk: Elon Musk's Neuralink is once again in the news for its Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) technology. The company has shared a very short video, but this clip of just 0.23 seconds has attracted people's attention.
The video shows a patient who cannot speak. But with the help of Neuralink's brain implant, he is seen communicating with his special person sitting in front of him by converting his brain signals into computer voice.
Neuralink gave this video a very emotional name – “A Beautiful Surprise”.
Couldn't speak, yet my mind said 'I love you'
The most emotional moment of the video comes when the patient tries to speak. The BCI system recognizes the words coming to his mind and converts them into computer voice.
And his first words are – “I Love You”. When the person sitting in front hears this voice from the computer, the atmosphere becomes emotional. After this both are seen hugging each other.
This video, lasting just a few seconds, shows that if such technology is further successful, it could open up a new way of communication for people who are unable to speak.
Patient's identity still secret
Neuralink has not made public the identity of the patient seen in the video or detailed information related to his disease. The company's focus is primarily on showing how its BCI implant can help convert brain signals into computer-generated speech.
However, Neuralink has also given an important disclaimer regarding this achievement. The company clarified that the results seen in one patient may not necessarily be the same in all participants or in all future trials.
Neuralink has already shown its technology
This is not Neuralink's first such demonstration. Recently, the company has shown the experiences of such patients who controlled the computer cursor only with the help of their thoughts.
In March, the company also shared a video of former British Army soldier Jon L. Noble. He is paralyzed from the neck down due to a severe spinal cord injury.
After having the N1 chip implanted in his brain, he was able to control the MacBook's cursor with his thoughts. That means they can use the computer without moving their hands.
Will the power of mind change life?
Many possibilities are being seen in the future regarding Neuralink's technology. The hope is that brain-computer interfaces can help people unable to speak communicate. Possibilities of developing such technology for visually impaired people are also being worked on.
But more clinical trials and scientific studies are still necessary to prove these possibilities on a large scale.
