Smart Hat Claims to Read Minds, Sparks Debate

A California-based startup named Sapi has introduced a wool hat that it claims can directly scan brain activity and translate thoughts into digital text at up to 30 words per minute. The device, developed in Palo Alto, enters a growing debate over smart wearables, though its premise—reading neural signals directly—strikes many as far more unusual than AI-powered glasses.

How the Hat Works

According to New Atlas, the hat is equipped with roughly 100,000 EEG sensors that capture electrical signals from the brain. These signals are then processed by an artificial intelligence model the company calls the “Brain Foundation,” which aims to convert the neural data into readable text.

Scientific Hurdles and Missing Proof

Previous reporting by Wired noted that the AI model was trained on 100,000 hours of data collected from about 100 volunteers. However, the vast differences in how individuals think and speak make building a universal system for translating brain signals into text an extremely complex task. The company has yet to provide clear evidence that its product actually works. Jojo Platt, a neurotechnology consultant, stressed that such devices must be easy to use and adapt to the user without requiring complicated training.

Future Potential vs. Lingering Doubts

While the concept holds commercial appeal—especially when compared to implanted brain chips like Neuralink—skepticism remains strong. Studies have shown that useful data can be extracted from outside the skull, but research published in Scientific Reports indicates that the effectiveness of these models is still uncertain due to evaluation limitations. Other studies suggest the results may stem from pattern memorization rather than genuine understanding of brain signals. With the product expected to launch in 2026, it remains unclear whether the hat represents a real breakthrough or simply an expensive novelty.