Imagine being able to type on your laptop or scroll on your phone without lifting a finger. The concept of controlling devices with our thoughts has long fascinated us. While Elon Musk’s Neuralink has made strides in this field, requiring brain implantation, a startup now offers a different approach using wearable technology. Sabi, a California-based startup backed by Vinod Khosla, is developing a beanie that can translate thoughts into text displayed on a screen. This innovation aims to provide a non-invasive alternative to Neuralink’s brain-computer interface (BCI) by embedding the technology in headwear like beanies and caps.
The Sabi beanie utilizes electroencephalography (EEG) to capture brain activity through sensors placed on the scalp. To enhance signal quality through layers of bone and skin, Sabi incorporates a significantly higher number of sensors, ranging from 70,000 to 100,000, compared to traditional EEG devices with only a few hundred sensors. This design theoretically improves the accuracy and efficiency of translating thoughts into text.
Users of the Sabi beanie will have the ability to convert their thoughts directly into written text, simplifying tasks like document typing. Although the initial typing speed is reported to be around 30 words per minute, Sabi assures users that speed will increase with regular use. While Neuralink offers broader functionalities beyond typing, Sabi focuses on enhancing the typing experience through mind-controlled technology.
Sabi’s development process includes training a large artificial intelligence (AI) model to interpret human thoughts based on neural data collected from 100 volunteers, totaling 100,000 hours of brain data. The company emphasizes the privacy of user data generated by the device.
The anticipated launch of the Sabi beanie is expected by the end of the year, with pricing details yet to be disclosed. Interested individuals can sign up for the waitlist on Sabi’s website to stay updated on product availability.