A startup named Sabi has introduced an innovative hat that purportedly enables users to type simply by thinking. This seemingly ordinary cap is embedded with around 100,000 tiny EEG sensors that are capable of picking up electrical brain activity through the scalp and skull. The data collected by these sensors is interpreted by a "brain foundation model," which has been trained on 100,000 hours of information gathered from approximately one hundred participants. The technology is designed to transform thoughts into written words at rates reaching up to 30 words per minute, comparable to typing on a traditional keyboard. Notably, the company asserts that no brain implants are needed; users merely need to relax and think.
However, the effectiveness of this technology remains uncertain. So far, Sabi has not published any studies detailing how their system operates or its accuracy. A significant hurdle in this field is that EEG signals tend to be weak and often noisy. In controlled environments, translating thoughts into text has typically yielded results that are only marginally better than random chance. Last year, Meta demonstrated a system that achieved approximately 80% accuracy, but it required a large, capsule-like device rather than a wearable option.
While most current technologies utilize hundreds of EEG sensors, Sabi's approach with tens of thousands could represent a significant advancement. Nevertheless, experts are eager for more concrete evidence before drawing conclusions. Would you consider wearing such a device?
Informational material. 18+.
