Translation

In Search of Artificial Intelligence by Yang Lan

Introduction P18-19

Humans could give “temperature” to technology. Artificial intelligence has expanded our sensibility and mobility, leaving many heart-warming moments during my interview process. … In California, Henry Evans, who became a mute quadriplegic after a stroke, has taken advantage of artificial intelligence technology to use email by sending laser signals to a computer with a special glass, and “attended” his nephew’s wedding using a long-distance video device.

P157-158

“I had a decent job that I enjoyed. My children were doing very well in school. My marriage was very happy. We had just bought a home, and my doctor said my health condition was excellent –– in one word, I was living a classic American dream. I was forty years old, feeling my life beginning to unfold. If it sounded too good to be true, then it might be right.”

This self-description came from a middle-aged man called Henry Evans. In 2002, Henry suffered from a sudden stroke. A few days later, his conscience came back, but his body remained stiff. He could not sit on the wheelchair or support his own head, he could not use the alpha board, and his fixed eyes could only stare straight ahead. He was only able to blink –– once for “yes,” twice for “no.” His American dream suddenly became a nightmare.

Today, other than being able to control his eyes, Henry is still largely confined inside his body. Some people even believe he is also mentally paralyzed since he cannot move or talk. Henry once suffered from depression for three years, nearly losing the will to live.

However, Henry did not give up himself in the end. He began using electronic devices to expand his skills, learning to control a laptop in the hospital. His story now took another turn: he could slightly control his neck to send laser signals to a computer through a special glass; then, a keyboard would show up on the computer screen for Henry to point at and click a letter. Using this method, Henry could slowly spell out words. Technology has helped Henry to convince the medical world that “My mental health is excellent.”

Now, Henry could use this special glass skillfully to receive and send emails. He has made friends with robots and roboticists. He can walk around his home using a long-distance video device. Although he cannot help his wife do the housework, when his busy wife sees him showing up on the video device next to her, she would feel happy and loved. Long-lost laughter has come back to fill their home. Henry has also used this long-distance video device to attend his nephew’s wedding. He has created a new way to live his life.

Henry has a wish –– he wants a brain-computer interactive screen that can be translated into readable signals.

Can his wish come true?