There has been significant research in the last decade on how to read the minds of humans. In 2011, a video and paper were published by the scientist, Jack Gallant, from University of California, Berkeley. He utilized an EEG cap on a person, having them watch a video, and a computer attempted to recreate, with impressive results, images based on the person’s brain signals. It’s been several years since then.

Recently, I was reading a magazine article that discussed another instance where researchers used a mind-reading device, possibly an EEG cap, to detect the words people were thinking. This was evidently successful, and further research by Miguel Nicholas, from Duke University (originally from Brazil), used a brain-computer interface to train monkeys to move a wheelchair using only their minds.

These three instances showcase mind-reading devices interpreting images, words, and predicting motor movements. I’m now pondering how close these products are to commercial availability and what potential uses they might have in various sectors like business, entertainment, health, politics, finance, and more. The exploration of these different facets of life raises interesting possibilities.

Healthcare

The most evident application of this technology is for individuals in comas or those with locked-in syndrome, where consciousness exists but communication with the external world is impaired. These devices enable them to communicate and potentially move around, possibly through a wheelchair-like device. It makes me contemplate whether this technology could extend to transmitting images back to these individuals.

For instance, in the case of a person in a coma, or even for blind individuals, the technology might not only read their minds but also transmit images to their minds. Imagine providing the ability to see to someone who has recently lost their sight. If the person had the capability to see before, you could utilize devices like the now failed Google Glasses equipped with recording capabilities. Additionally, a transmitted device attached to their scalp could stimulate specific brain areas. For instance, if there’s a car in front of them, the device could automatically stimulate the part of the brain associated with recognizing a car, giving them an understanding of their surroundings. The potential applications for enhancing sensory experiences through this technology are intriguing and could significantly impact the quality of life for individuals facing challenges such as visual impairment.

The potential applications of mind-reading devices extend beyond medical use to various realms, including therapy sessions for mental health patients and regular counseling sessions. Such devices could aid therapists in interpreting difficult-to-express thoughts and feelings, enhancing communication. Encoding and transmitting emotions could also help convey feelings between individuals, fostering a deeper understanding.

Entertainment

In the realm of entertainment, mind-reading devices could revolutionize video games and virtual reality experiences. Imagine immersing your mind into an avatar in a video game, where your thoughts dictate the character’s actions. Additionally, these devices could serve as novelties, offering a unique experience for individuals interested in having their minds read as a form of entertainment.

On a more creative note, the ability to recreate images from our minds using these devices opens up exciting possibilities for storytelling, videos, and artwork. This could potentially give rise to a new industry dedicated to creating content based on the images generated from people’s minds.

Conclusion

In essence, the applications of mind-reading devices span from therapeutic uses to novel entertainment experiences, hinting at a broad spectrum of possibilities that could significantly impact various aspects of our lives.

The potential health applications of mind-reading devices are significant, particularly in aiding individuals with physical disabilities. For paraplegic and quadriplegic individuals, these devices could be attached to robotic manipulators or exoskeletons, allowing them to control their limbs using their minds. Miguel Nicolelis’s work, as evidenced by a video showcasing a paraplegic person kicking a soccer ball, suggests promising advancements in this direction.

Moreover, these devices could not only control external machines but also reroute information directly into the peripheral nervous system. This would bypass injuries and directly activate muscles, offering a more efficient solution, though it comes with potential challenges such as invasiveness and infection risks.

Interestingly, there are already some commercial mind-reading devices available, with one priced at $1,000. Additionally, there are mind-reading apps, though their effectiveness may vary. Keeping an eye on these developments could reveal further advancements in the integration of mind-reading technology into the healthcare sector, offering innovative solutions for physical health challenges.

Original draft written in June 2019.