NEW DELHI: A student at the renowned Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) has created a cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled device known as AlterEgo, designed to facilitate natural language conversations without the need for spoken words. With AlterEgo, individuals can interact with machines, AI assistants, services, and even other people using only their internal articulation of words, without moving their lips or making any observable gestures.
Arnav Kapur, hailing from India’s national capital, Delhi, is the mastermind behind this revolutionary device. Currently pursuing his studies in Media Arts and Sciences at the MIT Media Lab, Kapur has successfully developed a device that captures peripheral neural signals when individuals engage in internal speech articulation. By doing so, the user can transmit and receive information to and from computing devices or other individuals without any apparent physical actions, all while preserving privacy and maintaining a seamless connection with their environment.
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The primary objective of AlterEgo is to assist people with speech disorders, including conditions like ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) and MS (multiple sclerosis). This technology has the potential to enhance communication and daily life for individuals facing speech-related challenges. Additionally, AlterEgo has the transformative potential to integrate humans and computers, allowing for a harmonious blend of computing, the Internet, and AI as a “second self,” augmenting human cognition and capabilities.
Kapur’s groundbreaking invention marks a significant advancement in the field of human-computer interaction and holds promise in providing a powerful communication tool for individuals with speech impairments. As technology continues to evolve, AlterEgo may revolutionise the way we interact with machines and enhance our overall cognitive abilities, bringing us closer to a future where humans and technology coexist seamlessly.
