A paralyzed woman, Ann, has regained the ability to speak for the first time in 18 years thanks to artificial intelligence. Researchers at the University of California (UC) developed a brain implant system that decodes Ann’s brain signals and translates them into synthesized speech. The system also utilizes a digital avatar on a screen that recreates natural facial movements as the speech is produced.

Ann, who suffered a brainstem stroke at the age of 30, was left completely paralyzed and unable to speak. Through years of physical rehabilitation, she regained some movements but still could not speak. When she learned about the research being conducted by the UC scientists, she volunteered to participate.

In a previous study, the research team successfully translated the brain signals of a paralyzed man into text. However, with Ann, they were able to go a step further and translate her brain signals into actual speech, as well as recreate the associated facial movements. The researchers implanted more than 250 electrodes onto the surface of Ann’s brain to intercept the speech-related brain signals.

Over a period of several weeks, Ann trained an artificial intelligence system to recognize her unique speech brain signals by repeating different phrases. The current system is capable of decoding brain signals into text at a rate of nearly 80 words per minute, which is significantly faster than Ann’s current text-based communication system.

The voice of the digital avatar is personalized to Ann’s own voice, and the team used language learning AI to recreate her voice. The avatar simulates the muscle movements of Ann’s face with the help of AI that uses the brain signals sent from Ann’s brain.

The team’s next goal is to create a wireless version of the system so that Ann can communicate without the need for physical connections. This breakthrough in communication technology has had a profound effect on Ann’s life, giving her a sense of purpose and allowing her to contribute to society.

Sources:

– Original article: [source]

– Nature study: [source]

**Note: URLs are not provided due to the lack of information.

The post New Breakthrough: Paralyzed Woman Speaks Again with the Help of Artificial Intelligence appeared first on TS2 SPACE.