“仿生智能耳蜗”让声音更真切

Core Viewpoint - A research team from University College London has developed a new intelligent auditory system that simulates the complete human auditory process, integrating piezoelectric nanofibers and artificial intelligence neural networks for more precise sound direction and content recognition [1][2]. Group 1: Technology and Innovation - The research team created a spiral trampoline-like acoustic sensor device using advanced manufacturing techniques to arrange piezoelectric nanofibers radially, which can capture environmental sound vibrations and convert them into electrical signals [2]. - The flexible piezoelectric nanofibers exhibit significantly higher sensitivity to sound waves compared to traditional piezoelectric films, effectively responding to core human auditory frequency ranges [2]. - The system has the potential for self-powering through environmental mechanical vibrations, reducing reliance on batteries or external power sources, thus facilitating miniaturization and energy efficiency improvements [2]. Group 2: Performance and Capabilities - The system includes an "acoustic brain" capable of understanding sound direction and content, achieving a sound source identification accuracy of 97% in the horizontal direction and 92% in the vertical direction, with a 100% accuracy in distance judgment [3]. - The artificial auditory system, equipped with an AI model, can also recognize sound content, record music, and playback, showcasing its advanced capabilities beyond traditional cochlear implants [3]. Group 3: Future Development and Challenges - The research team plans to initiate the development of wearable devices, although clinical translation faces multiple challenges, including the need to validate performance in real noise environments and the complexity of developing semi-implantable or fully implantable auditory devices [4]. - Further integration and miniaturization of the system are required to meet long-term biocompatibility standards and establish safe and effective surgical implantation protocols [4].