Imagine sitting in a meeting and communicating without uttering a single sound. Visualize asking a question and receiving an answer through a text message, all while keeping your hands idle. This isn’t a sci-fi fantasy; it’s a reality being explored by Unbabel, a Lisbon-based startup, through their revolutionary AI project dubbed “Halo.” In this blog, we’ll delve into this breakthrough technology that promises to redefine human communication, the thought process behind it, and its potential implications.

Revolutionizing Communication

Founded with the aspiration to create a bridge between enterprises and global customers, Unbabel has expanded its horizons significantly since its inception. With a robust backing of $90 million in venture capital and a revenue of around $50 million, the company has pivoted towards innovation that enhances communication—both for businesses and individuals. CEO Vasco Pedro emphasizes the need for a more effective convergence between brain activity and AI tools to unlock human potential.

The Science Behind Halo

The journey towards the Halo interface began with a fundamental inquiry: How can we better harness brain signals for communication? Pedro observed that while traditional EEG systems provided insights into brain activity, they were often too noisy for effective communication. It was then that the team shifted their focus to Electromyography (EMG), which measures muscle response as an output of brain signals.

Using EMG as a gateway to direct brain interaction, the team designed a non-invasive armband that collects signals indicating the wearer’s intention to communicate. By linking this with a personalized large language model (LLM), the system interprets physical responses and translates them into coherent text messages.

Beyond Words: Creating a Personalized Communication Experience

Through the innovative pairing of EMG technology with an LLM, Halo allows for a dynamic, real-time interaction. When a user thinks of a word, the LLM generates a contextual response that can be confirmed before it’s sent. As Pedro points out, this approach doesn’t capture subconscious thoughts but rather focuses on intentional communication—giving users complete control over what they express.

This pioneering method not only elevates the way we communicate but also serves as a significant advancement in accessible communication technologies, especially for individuals with speech impairments.

Real-World Applications: A Lifeline for the Voiceless

Halo’s utility shines brightly in the realm of healthcare, particularly among patients with conditions like ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis). Traditional communication aids, such as eye-tracking devices, often require strenuous calibration and can be exhausting for users. In contrast, Unbabel’s Halo is expected to provide a more intuitive and user-friendly interface for individuals who face such challenges.

With plans to collaborate with the Champalimaud Foundation in Lisbon, the goal is to deploy this innovative technology to ALS patients by the end of this year, marking a critical leap forward in augmentative and alternative communication solutions.

Setting the Stage for a New Era

Halo represents just the beginning of a transformative journey. As we inch closer to tapping into our cognitive faculties for seamless communication, this technology holds the promise of empowering individuals with superhuman capabilities. By boosting communication rates substantially—reportedly reaching 20 words per minute, compared to Stephen Hawking’s two—Unbabel is set on a path toward unlocking new potentials.

Conclusion: Embracing the Future

Unbabel’s Halo isn’t just a technological marvel; it’s an embodiment of the possibilities that arise when AI meets human cognition. As boundaries blur between machine learning and human interaction, we inch closer to a future where thought can seamlessly translate to communication. At fxis.ai, we believe that such advancements are crucial for the future of AI, as they enable more comprehensive and effective solutions. Our team is continually exploring new methodologies to push the envelope in artificial intelligence, ensuring that our clients benefit from the latest technological innovations.

For more insights, updates, or to collaborate on AI development projects, stay connected with fxis.ai.