Computers can be taught to translate brain signals into text. Two new studies in Nature have documented this. It is an exciting development. One team was from Stanford and the other from California. They used different types of implants to collect electrical signals from the brains of volunteers. They used different algorithms to interpret these signals. Still, these led to similar results. Brain signals can be converted to text at the rate of 60-70 words per minute. Though it does not approach a typical person’s cadence, it is an improvement over previous interfaces. Surprisingly, computer in both the experiments decoded the speech with reasonable accuracy.

Researchers created a personalised avatar for a paralyzed volunteer. The same voice taken from a previous clip of voice was used to make the avatar speak. The avatar was integrated to the facial expressions of the volunteer. This experiment proved that such avatars are a boon for people who are unable to speak. BCI or brain computer interface is a very useful technology. This experiment is a turning point in the development of BCI technology.

These technologies must be translated into useful products. There is a niche market for these products. The products could be expensive. They require training before being used. The early marketers will face a difficult task.