Scientists have developed the world’s first “psychic typewriter” – a device that allows users to “write with their minds”.
A prototype of a brain-computer interface (BCI) is being developed at the Fraunhofer Institute in Germany, utilizing brain sensor arrays to detect what the user intends to write.
The leather cap worn on the user’s head is fitted with 128 sensors connected to a computer (as shown in the image). These sensors capture and amplify the user’s brain waves, allowing the cursor to move across a series of characters on the screen. By simply thinking “left” or “right,” the user can create words.
Currently, each sentence takes several minutes to compose, but with the assistance of neuroscience experts, the researchers believe that this device could one day operate faster than traditional typing methods. Furthermore, if the wires are eventually replaced by wireless technology, users could move around the office while text appears on their computer screens.
Professor Klaus-Robert Muller, the head of the project, stated that the spelling methods for the words are being improved, but it will take several more years before this device can be used for everyday tasks.
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