China's Ambitious Push in Brain - Computer Interface (BCI) Technology
In a policy document unveiled this month, China has clearly articulated its aspiration to ascend to a global leadership position in the realm of brain - computer interfaces (BCIs). This is the very technology that Elon Musk's Neuralink and numerous US startups have been actively developing.
I. Understanding Brain - Computer Interfaces
BCIs are technologies that read and decode neural activity, translating it into commands. By establishing a direct connection between the brain and external devices like computers or robotic arms, BCIs hold immense potential as assistive devices for individuals with severe physical disabilities.
II. BCI Commercialization in the US and China
- US Landscape
In the United States, companies such as Neuralink, Synchron, and Paradromics have emerged in recent years, aiming to commercialize BCIs.
- China's Progress
China now has several home - grown BCI companies. Moreover, the Chinese government has elevated the development of this technology to a top - priority status.
III. The New Policy Document
- Origination and Goals
Jointly formulated in July by seven departments within the Chinese government, including the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, the National Health Commission, and the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the new policy document charts a course for China. By 2027, it aims to achieve breakthroughs in BCI technology, and by 2030, to build an internationally competitive BCI industry.
- Expert Insights
Max Riesenhuber, a professor of neuroscience and co - director of the Center for Neuroengineering at Georgetown University Medical Center, who has published research on China's BCI developments, notes, "We are aware that China has a strong track record in translating basic research into practical applications and commercialization, as seen in industries like photovoltaics and electric cars. BCI is now another crucial area where this ability will be vital." He further adds, "The document comprehensively outlines all the necessary activities to become a BCI leader, not only in research but also in mainstream adoption."
IV. BCI Research Timeline and China's Catch - up
- Historical Perspective
Research on BCIs dates back to the 1970s. However, for decades, the technology was too cumbersome and unreliable for practical use. US - based companies like Neuralink have been striving to enhance the design and performance of early BCIs for patient - centric products.
- China's Growth
China entered BCI research at a later stage but is rapidly catching up with the US. Several Chinese companies and research institutions have successfully tested BCI implants in patients, demonstrating capabilities such as enabling paralyzed individuals to move a cursor on a computer screen, operate a robotic arm, and type out their thoughts. In addition to releasing ethical guidelines for BCI use last year, the new policy document now provides a roadmap for accelerating device development. It details 17 specific steps, covering aspects like creating superior chips for brain - signal capture, improving signal - decoding software, standardizing BCI technology, and establishing manufacturing capabilities.
V. Industry Perspectives in China
- NeuroXess's Experience
Phoenix Peng, co - founder and CEO of NeuroXess, a Shanghai - based BCI company, states, "The Chinese government has always been supportive of disruptive technologies. From the government's perspective, this policy indicates that BCI technology has transitioned from the concept phase to the product phase." NeuroXess has implanted its device in six paralyzed patients. In three of them, it accurately decoded Chinese speech, while for the others, it enabled thought - controlled operation of digital devices. Peng believes it is realistic to expect at least one BCI system to gain approval in China by 2027.
- Chinese Institute for Brain Research (CIBR) Insights
Minmin Luo, director of the CIBR in Beijing, concurs that China is on track to meet the goals set by the new policy document. He remarks, "It is essentially an engineering project with relatively achievable goals, and there are already a large number of people working on it." Luo, who is also the chief scientist at NeuCyber NeuroTech, a CIBR spinoff, has developed a coin - sized brain chip called Beinao - 1. So far, it has been implanted in five people, with excellent safety and stability observed in clinical assessments. The paralyzed recipients can now move a computer cursor and access smartphone apps, and the team plans to implant a sixth patient by the end of August. Luo estimates that at least 1 - 2 million patients in China could benefit from assistive and rehabilitative BCI technology.
VI. Expansive Applications Envisioned
- Medical Applications
Beyond assistive and rehabilitative uses, the policy document outlines other medical applications. BCIs could potentially be used to monitor and analyze brain activity in real - time, helping to prevent or reduce the risk of certain brain diseases.
- Consumer Applications
The document also endorses consumer applications. For example, wearable BCIs could monitor driver alertness, providing timely alerts for drowsiness, inattention, and slow reaction times, thus reducing the likelihood of traffic accidents. Phoenix Peng anticipates a significant market boost for non - invasive BCI products in China, given its status as the world's largest consumer electronics manufacturing country.
- Industrial Pilots
The policy promotes the mass production of non - implantable BCI devices in various forms, such as forehead - mounted, head - mounted, ear - mounted, ear buds, helmets, glasses, and headphones. It also suggests piloting BCIs in industries like hazardous materials handling, nuclear energy, mining, and electricity for safety management, with BCIs potentially providing early warnings for workplace incidents like low oxygen levels, poisoning, and fainting.
VII. Collaboration Outlook
While the new policy may seem to set the stage for a China - US rivalry in the BCI space, Phoenix Peng sees room for cross - country collaboration among entrepreneurs. He states, "We can collaborate as a global community to develop solutions for patients, who are eager for this technology to improve their lives. We aim to avoid geopolitical issues and focus on creating useful products for patients."