Scientists have developed a device that can give voice to those who are unable to speak, by translating their thoughts about speech into spoken words in real time. The technology is not completely new, but it is the first time that it can produce completely fluid speech. In a recent test, doctors implanted the device in the brain of a woman who lost her ability to speak as a result of a stroke 18 years ago. The implant converts her mental intent to speak into fluent sentences. Previous brain-computer interfaces for speech had a significant delay between the thoughts and the computerized verbalization. This one translates instantly for a conversation that flows naturally. The implanted electrodes track brain activity as the patient speaks silently to themselves. AI is used to translate this neural activity into units of sound. These go into a synthesizer that converts it to speech. In this case the patient had previously been able to speak, and her voice was recorded, so they were even able to program her voice into the synthesizer so that it sounds like her. They hope to have this approved for general use within a few years.