Originally Posted by TP Rope
That also makes me think of the Brain Drain machine aboard the BG3 model: there are two pieces of artwork depicting this mysterious device, but its function remains unknown and its presence is almost incidental. Any idea what the devs had in mind for it? https://www.artstation.com/artwork/PX5m9o

That machine immediately made me think of the Zaith'isk. It is mentioned in the game that this "cleansing machine" was based on mindflayer technology. And the name Brain Drain Machine" also points towards a precursor of Vlaatkith's memory drainer.