'Thought Talking' may be possible in 20 years, scientist says

By Dick Pelletier

      

    Through eons of evolution, humans have become proficient using speech, the written word, pictures, and a wide variety of facial expressions and physical motions to communicate with each other.

    However, some researchers believe that if we could convey thoughts, emotions, and desires directly from mind-to-mind, this more direct communication mode would achieve greater harmony in relationships.

    Enter University of Reading's Dr. Kevin Warwick, whose cutting-edge neural implant research has enabled him to control machines and communicate with others using only thoughts and physical motions.

    In 1998, Warwick implanted a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) transmitter in his arm enabling him to control doors, lights, heaters, and other devices based on his proximity.

    Then in 2002, this bold scientist, who had earned the nickname "Captain Cyborg" from his colleagues, implanted internal electrodes directly into his nervous system. This allowed a remote robot arm to mimic the actions of Warwick's own arm, and enabled him to control a wheelchair with just his thoughts.

    Next, Warwick implanted a chip in his wife Irena's arm, linking their brains together through the Internet. "When she moved her hand three times," he said, "I felt three pulses and my brain recognized that my wife was communicating." This was the world's first electronic brain-to-brain communication.

    University of Wisconsin student, Adam Wilson recently shocked the world by updating his Twitter page using brainwaves and some creative software. His post read; "Using EEG to send Tweet." This was the first time anyone had posted information on the Web without using keyboard, mouse, or voice.

    Researchers are developing products that read brain signals to help paralyzed patients control wheelchairs, type commands to a computer, and convert thoughts into voice-activated speech. Ambient's sub-vocal speech system, Audeo, demonstrates how far this technology is progressing.

    Today, companies are rushing to develop mind-reading products that not only help the handicapped, but also enhance healthy consumers who do not suffer disabilities.

    Australia's Emotiv offers a headset with sensors that allow people to play video games using only their thoughts; and sense emotions that the other person may be feeling. California's NeuroSky sells a device that reveals whether someone is focused, relaxed, afraid, or anxious.

    Much progress is needed though, before this wonder technology will enable thoughts to be read fluently. Experts must first unravel more of the mysteries of consciousness, which many believe lies in how the brain's100-billion neurons interact with each other as we create thoughts, emotions, and actions.

    Scientists at the International Swiss Blue Brain Project believe within ten years, they will create an artificial brain that can generate intelligence and simulate human-like consciousness. This electronic marvel will lower drug development costs, bring new cures to market faster, and it may eliminate diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. It could also speed development of tomorrow's mind-reading systems.

    Future 'thought talking' might work like this: armed with innovative electronic implants that convert brain signals to recognizable speech, you simply think of whom you wish to communicate with, and with their approval, you're connected. In addition to reading each other's thoughts, you could gaze through the other person's eyes, and even experience their feelings of joy, excitement, sadness, or depression.

    Positive futurists believe that communicating mind-to-mind will create a safer world and help humanity become a peaceful global village, which many predict could be accomplished by the end of this century.

    At a recent interview, Dr. Warwick said, "We're looking at the first mainstream thought experiments within a decade, and in 20 years, mind-to-mind communications could become a commercial reality."

    By late 2030s, future followers believe that 'thought talking' could become routine. Human society will one day accept – and many people even prefer – this new way of communicating. Comments welcome.

    This article appeared in various print publications and on-line blogs. Comments always welcome.