A system has been designed by a group of MIT’s Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Lab to read your emotions using WIFI signals.
Modern world has seen much attention placed on emotion detection systems that operate on algorithms which can read someone’s emotion based on facial expressions, voice sounds and the words used. As much as these machines are remarkable, they have their own set of limitations. The individual has to either speak while experiencing an emotion or show some facial expressions.
But with the new technology built – the EQ-Radio – radio signals are used from a router, not caring whether a person will speak or show facial expressions.
The The EQ-Radio has three vital components – an RF radio, an algorithm and the heartbeat.
The RF radio produces low frequency waves and then captures them as reflected by objects within the environment.
The algorithm works on the captured signals and separates the heartbeat and respiration information.
Finally, the respiration and heartbeat information is transferred to a machine-learning classifier for mapping on to an emotional chat.
The effectiveness of The EQ-Radio at detecting emotions without disturbing the participants is remarkable. No more will ECG sensors be attached onto their bodies.
Moral questions
But the success of the machine does not mean that all is clear for its usage. In any case, its effectiveness may be its weakness. Questions have been raised as where it should be used.
Sometimes someone chooses to hide any form of facial expressions and the voice down so that his/her emotions remain private. But the EQ-Radio snatches that ability away from them.
But as much as the technology is questioned as to where it should be used, it does not mean it will not be beneficial.
Companies can use EQ-Radio to develop products that are more finely tuned to the needs and desires of their customers when emotional response to their products is gauged with the customer’s consent.
Important information concerning a patient’s heartbeat can also be obtained. The EQ-Radio should be developed continuously as the circumstances of its usage are carefully considered.