Meta has introduced an advanced system that can convert brain activity into text, making the idea of “mind typing” more attainable. Nevertheless, before individuals become overly enthusiastic about the prospect of telepathic messaging on Instagram, it is important to acknowledge the considerable challenges that remain.
The existing configuration features a substantial half-ton apparatus, valued at $2 million, which significantly limits its portability. Users are required to maintain absolute stillness, as even the slightest movement of the head can interfere with the procedure.
How Meta AI Works
Meta’s AI and neuroscience teams have developed a deep learning system capable of interpreting magnetic signals emitted by the brain to identify the keys a person is mentally choosing, all without the use of implanted electrodes or wearable sensors. This innovative approach utilizes magnetoencephalography (MEG), a technique that measures brain activity by detecting magnetic fields.
Volunteers are positioned within a sizable MEG scanner, which bears a resemblance to an oversized hair dryer, as they type out various sentences. This scanner captures magnetic signals emitted by neurons, while an artificial intelligence model known as Brain2Qwerty analyzes the relationship between these signals and corresponding letters.
Following extensive training, the system achieves the capability to predict and reconstruct words with an accuracy rate of up to 80%.
Challenges and Limitations
The MEG scanner needs to be situated in a specially designed shielded room to eliminate interference from the Earth’s magnetic field, which is a trillion times more powerful than the signals produced by the brain. Furthermore, even minor movements can disrupt the data, complicating the achievement of reliable results.
Gaining insight into the mechanisms by which the brain converts thoughts into accurate motor actions may assist patients with brain injuries, neurological disorders, or conditions such as paralysis in recovering their ability to communicate.
A Safer Alternative to Brain Implants?
Meta’s non-invasive strategy stands in stark contrast to the initiatives of companies such as Neuralink, which is focused on creating brain implants that facilitate direct connections between human thoughts and computers. By steering clear of surgical procedures, Meta’s approach mitigates associated risks, rendering it a more attractive long-term solution.
Future Possibilities
The evolution of technology is evident in the transition from large computers that occupied entire rooms to compact devices that can be carried in our pockets. Similarly, the current cumbersome brain scanner may pave the way for the development of wearable or portable brain-computer interfaces reminiscent of those depicted in Cyberpunk 2077. Although we have not reached that point yet, the research conducted by Meta represents an intriguing advancement toward the realization of mind-controlled communication.
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