Using mind-reading technology to let the world hear nonverbal people’s thoughts

Darwin Ecosystem is a machine learning system that helps individuals with disabilities communicate and is a finalists in SXSW's Interactive Innovation Awards at the Hilton Austin Downtown Hotel in Austin, Texas on March 11, 2018. (Thao Nguyen/Dallas Morning News/TNS)

Dallas-based Darwin Ecosystem has long been in the business of pattern detection. The company uses machine-learning to predict trends in the financial markets, analyse essays for police academies to determine if trainees would be a good fit and work with human resources departments to identify traits of top performers. 

But the artificial intelligence company is working on its most ambitious project yet – developing a system that tracks brainwaves, recognises patterns and interprets the intentions behind them. It could unlock communication for adults and children who are unable to speak.