How Artificial Intelligence Gave a Paralyzed Woman Her Voice Back (1)
At 30, Ann experienced a brainstem stroke, paralyzing her and robbing her of speech. Despite the challenges, including years of physical therapy, she remained determined. Now, she's at the forefront of a groundbreaking study with UC San Francisco and UC Berkeley. Researchers are developing a brain-computer interface (BCI) that translates brain signals into speech and facial expressions.
This is a heartwarming story and the video is worth a watch. There’s a lot of money pouring into the brain interface field, including Elon’s Neuralink.
This technology can decode signals into text at a rate of 80 words per minute, a significant leap from her current device's 14 words per minute. Dr. Edward Chang, who's been working on the BCI for over a decade, is optimistic about its potential. Ann's involvement is not just about regaining her voice; she's also helping to shape a future where others like her can communicate more naturally. The ultimate goal? A wireless version that offers users more freedom and independence.
