Lexi Bogan, a young woman from Rhode Island, faced a challenging situation when she lost her ability to speak normally after undergoing surgery to remove a tumor near her brain. The operation was successful in removing the tumor and saving her life, but it left her voice impaired. This left Lexi struggling to communicate with her friends and family, as she could barely say “hello.”
Fortunately, doctors at Rhode Island’s Lifespan Hospital group introduced Lexi to an artificial intelligence program called OpenAI. This AI technology, known as the Voice Engine, was able to restore Lexi’s voice by creating a voice-cloning technology using a 15-second cooking tutorial video that Lexi had recorded for a high school project.
Through this technology, Lexi can now type phrases into a custom-built app and have them repeated in an audio clip using her own voice. This allows her to communicate more effectively, such as when she goes through drive-thrus and types her order into the app to have it read out in her voice.
The AI-generated voice recording is so realistic that Lexi can even hear what sounds like her old laugh when she types in “ha ha.” This breakthrough technology has not only restored Lexi’s ability to communicate but has also given her a sense of normalcy and independence in her daily life.
The impact of AI technology in healthcare continues to expand, with innovative solutions like the Voice Engine making a significant difference in the lives of patients like Lexi. As advancements in AI technology progress, we can expect to see more groundbreaking applications that improve the quality of life for individuals facing similar challenges.
