BCI technology Photo: CCTV

Clinical trials have showed effectiveness of China's domestic brain-computer interface (BCI) system and Chinese scientists are trying to accelerate pace to launch the products in market as early as possible. 

 A recipient of a BCI system developed by a team from Tsinghua University can now control a computer with his own thoughts and brain signals. He is also able to control a wheelchair with his mind. These prove that signal control of BCIs has been successful, Hong Bo from the School of Medicine with Tsinghua University who leads the research, told the Global Times.

According to Hong, a wireless minimally invasive BCI system developed by the Tsinghua team was implanted in December 2023 into the brain of the recipient, surnamed Bai, 35, who have been paralyzed for years following a car accident.

And another patient, surnamed Yang, 54, who has been paralyzed for 14 years, also received the implantation surgery of the Tsinghua team's BCI system in 2023. He is now able to proficiently use his minds to control exoskeleton glove. His hands have also regained some of its grabbing function, Hong said.

These all prove the effectiveness of our BCI system. Looking ahead, the team will, subject to regulatory approval, further expand the scale of medical clinical trials on the path to providing a commercially viable service to benefit the greatest number of patients, he noted. 

BCI refers to the technology that establishes a direct connection pathway between the human brain's nerves and electronic or mechanical devices, to achieve information interaction and functional integration between the nervous system and external devices. 

Chinese scientists have achieved breakthroughs in domestic research and development in BCI technology in recent years and actively applying the technology in rehabilitation, epilepsy and depression treatment. Research in technology in China has now reached a crucial stage, transitioning from the laboratory to the market. Industry observers noted that this shift is expected to play a significant role in driving economic development and creating new competitive advantages in the future, experts said.

Many view the BCI technology as holding the key to an "era of neuroscience," but the technology has also encountered controversies in safety and ethics after Elon Musk said in January 2024 that his BCI company, Neuralink, had successfully completed the first human brain implantation surgery of its BCI device.  

In previous interviews, Hong told the Global Times that compared with Neuralink's invasive technology, his team's wireless semi-invasive BCI technology offers higher level of safety and a longer product lifespan.