Team members showcased the power of BCI by making drone formations perform sophisticated aerial flips and other stunts. Photo: Screenshot from Sina Weibo

Imagine controlling actions purely with one's thoughts. A team of researchers from the Northwestern Polytechnical University, based in Xi'an city, Northwest China, has made this impressive feat possible, which could successfully clamp small beans through the minds at an event in Beijing recently, demonstrating cutting-edge brain-computer interface (BCI) technology.

In a stunning live demonstration, researchers controlled a robotic arm to pick up a tiny bean, using nothing but their thoughts. They also demonstrated BCI's capabilities by commanding drone formations to execute complex aerial maneuvers and stunts.

Put simply, BCI technology allows people to control machines using only their thoughts, the media outlet said.

The technology sparked widespread amazement among netizens. Some netizens said that it is incredible to see that the brain-computer interface has been intelligent to such a level, while others said that they never imagined that beans could find a place in ground-breaking science.

Though BCI might sound like science fiction, it's already transforming medical rehabilitation, helping those with paralysis regain mobility. With continued improvements, the potential applications in robotics, consumer tech, and gaming are promising, as reported by the media.

Some netizens comment that this technology may enable the physically challenged, and that in the future it may be possible for them to move just via their minds.

Global Times