Extrasensory perception (ESP) and telepathy have not been scientifically proven. However, new research suggests mind reading may not be all that far fetched. Scientists in Japan have developed a method to predict what the human brain will say before we speak.
Could engineers one day build a mind reading gadget? Or, vica versa? We may be able to one day control robots with our minds.
Experts at the Kyushu Institute of Technology analyzed brain waves, words, and syllables in the alphabet using an EEG. Their research found distinct activity and patterns in the brain that may allow them to decode words and sentences without speech.
Lead Professor Yamazaki Toshimasa, expert in brain computer interfaces, measured the brainwaves of 12 men, women and children as they recited simple words in Japanese. Researchers found each syllable equated to a distinct brainwave up to two seconds before the subject actually spoke.
Using their findings to create an algorithm, scientists could interpret words the subjects were about to say out loud 25 percent of the time. When focusing on specific characters or syllables the researchers had a 90 percent success rate. Toshimasa told the Daily Mail his algorithm can identify 7 words so far. “He continued that the technology could also be adapted to allow people to control robots through the power of thought by helping the machines interpret instructions from brain activity,” The Daily Mail reported Toshimasa said.
This research has very limited findings but nonetheless proves some type of correlation between brain waves and unspoken language. Reports say Japanese has an advantage over other languages, like English, because there are more vowels and less consonants.
If developed further, this technology could do wonders for artificial intelligence. Talking with robots and mind reading isn't necessarily at the top of the list. Helping people in a coma or with speech disabilities communicate are more realistic short term goals.
