Researchers at the MIT Media Lab in the US have
developed a device that “reads minds” and alerts wearers to the
emotional states of the people they are communicating
with.
The Emotional Social Intelligence Prosthetic, or ESP, could be
used by people with autism to better read the emotions of others
around them.
The “mind-reading” term refers to the subconscious, and can
include non-verbal expressions such as facial expressions and head
movements.
The system determines emotional states by analysing facial
movements and gestures, including raised eyebrows, lip pursing and
head nodding.
The ESP includes a handheld computer, a small wearable video
camera, an earphone and a small vibrating device which can be worn
on a belt.
As a conversation begins, the device “mind-reads” the listener
on behalf of the wearer. When the listener begins to show signs of
boredom, the speaker is signalled so that they can re-adjust their
behaviour to interest the listener.
The device could be useful for those with Autism Spectrum
Condition (ASC). Those with ASC can lack the ability to evaluate
others' emotions on their own, meaning they can become hampered or
held back in social environments.
The ESP may also be used by those suffering from Asberger's
syndrome, a mild form of autism.