Scientists are now using Wi-Fi to read human emotions
Scientists at MIT have created an algorithm called "EQ Radio" that detects and measures individual heartbeats and therefore individuals' emotions by bouncing radio frequency signals - such as ordinary wifi- off of people. The algorithm works the same as an electrocardiogram but needs no leads to be attached, but must process the information it receives differently. With no leads physically attached, EQ Radio can't anticipate the size and shape of the wavelengths it will receive but must develop a sense of what's happening before it can make the determinations about a person's heartbeat that allows it to estimate the person's emotions. The idea of an artificially intelligent wifi router that can detect human heartbeats suggests both practical uses and uncomfortable possibilities. Among the practical uses are new research understanding the morphology of the heartbeat in the context of recognising emotions, improved health monitoring and diagnosis, and better stress management.
Tristan Green, TNW