'Thought-talking' promises new era of human communications

By Dick Pelletier

      

    Humans use a variety of channels to communicate with each other. Yet, despite thousands of years of development, we regard verbal channels, what we say and write, as most important. But today, scientists are realizing that non-verbal communication is just as important as words. It provides as much, if not more information about what people think and feel.

    Despite its importance though, researchers have yet to unravel exactly how this intuition works. Enter University of Reading's Dr. Kevin Warwick, whose pioneering research into neural implants has enabled him to control machines and communicate with others just by using his thoughts.

    In 1998, Warwick inserted a silicon transponder into his left arm enabling him to open doors and switch on lights. Four years later, he installed another chip into his arm that connected his nervous system to a computer allowing him to control an electric wheelchair and robotic hand simply by thinking about them.

    He then 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.

    Warwick says that transmitting signals brain-to-brain opens the possibility for thought-talking. This technology will allow us to exchange speech, share pictures and graphics; even feelings and emotions; directly from mind-to-mind. Experts believe that adding these personal elements into our conversations will result in more positive and rewarding encounters with less hostile thoughts.

    But a lot of development must happen before this wonder technology can become reality. University of Virginia scientist Stuart Wolf predicts that by the 2020s, implants will be replaced by a computerized headband enabling us to thought-talk with others wearing the band. Later, with molecular nanotechnologies expected by the early 2030s, we will eliminate the headband.

    Future thought-talking will work like this: just think of whom you wish to communicate with, from anywhere in the world, and with their approval you're connected. In addition to exchanging thoughts, you can gaze through each other’s eyes; even share emotions and feelings. The impact of sharing mind-to-mind in this manner will strengthen bonds between people and begin a new era of human relationships.

    Will this technology eliminate the mouse and keyboard? Brown University Professor John Donoghue believes it will. Today, thoughts interface with machines at 15 words-per-minute, half the speed the average person writes by hand; but by 2012, experts predict this will increase to 170 words-per-minute. Imagine issuing commands to a computer faster than you can speak them.

    This forward science will also increase personal security. Should you fall down from an illness or accident, just think your doctor's name and the response is immediate. Diagnosis is made and paramedics are dispatched. And with advanced nanotechnology expected by late 2020s, doctors could direct nanobots to make repairs on the spot.

    Will this "magical future" happen? At a recent interview, Dr. Warwick said, "We're looking at the first mainstream thought experiments within a decade, and in 20 years, thought-talking could become a commercial reality. People will one day routinely communicate with each other by using just their thoughts."

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