AI technology converts thoughts into speech

Scientists around the world are racing to be the first to develop artificially intelligent algorithms that can see inside our minds. Researchers at Columbia University have built a system that can turn your thoughts into speech. The technique involves training neural networks to associate patterns of brain activity with human speech. In order to translate these patterns into speech the researchers, from Columbia University’s Mortimer B Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute, used a vocoder – the same technology that’s used by the Amazon Echo and Apple’s Siri to synthesize speech and respond to your voice commands. It offers hope of patients paralyzed after a stroke or accident communicating with friends and loved ones - despite being unable to speak.