MIT’s Arnav Kapur has created a device that senses and interprets neuromuscular signals created when we subvocalize. AlterEgo rests on the ear and extends across the jaw. A pad sticks beneath the lower lip, and another below the chin. It senses jaw and facial tissue bone-conduction, undetectable by humans.
Two bone-conduction headphones pick up inner ear vibrations, and four electrodes detect neuromuscular signals. Algorithms determine what a wearer is subvocalizing, and can report silently back. This enables communication with out speaking.
In studies, researchers interacted with a computer to solve problems; a participant asked a computer the time and got an accurate response; and another played a game of chess with a colleague.
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