Scientists at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in the United States have successfully developed a device capable of identifying complex emotional states. This small device can be worn on the head, assisting individuals with autism in understanding whether their conversation partner feels annoyed or bored. People with autism often struggle to recognize and interpret these psychological cues.
The aforementioned device operates by analyzing facial expressions captured by a camera, utilizing image recognition software and psychological reading algorithms. The camera is integrated into the device and linked to a mini computer worn on the wrist. If the wearer fails to capture the listener’s attention, the software will trigger a vibrating signal on their wrist. Tests have shown that this device can indicate emotional states such as agreement, disagreement, focus, contemplation, hesitation, or interest. Previous software could only identify five emotional states: joy, sadness, anger, surprise, and disgust.