China’s Brain-Computer Interface Industry Is Taking Off
▼ Summary
– China has announced a policy to become a global leader in brain-computer interface (BCI) technology, competing with US firms like Neuralink.
– BCIs translate neural activity into commands, offering significant potential as assistive devices for people with severe disabilities.
– The policy, authored by multiple Chinese government departments, sets goals for breakthroughs by 2027 and a competitive industry by 2030.
– China is catching up to the US in BCI development, with successful patient tests enabling actions like cursor movement and speech decoding.
– The policy outlines 17 specific steps, including improving chips, software, standardization, and manufacturing for BCIs.
China’s brain-computer interface sector is rapidly advancing, driven by strong governmental backing and a clear strategic vision. A recent policy document jointly issued by multiple key agencies, including the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology and the Chinese Academy of Sciences, outlines ambitious goals for the nation to achieve major technological breakthroughs by 2027 and establish a globally competitive BCI industry by the end of the decade. This initiative places China squarely among leading nations developing technology that enables direct communication between the human brain and external devices.
BCIs function by interpreting neural signals and converting them into actionable commands, offering transformative potential for individuals with severe motor impairments. While early versions of the technology were often impractical, recent innovations have significantly improved both reliability and usability. In the United States, firms like Neuralink and Synchron have drawn considerable attention for their work in commercializing brain-computer interfaces. Now, China is emerging as a formidable player with several domestic companies making notable progress.
According to Professor Max Riesenhuber of Georgetown University, China has demonstrated a consistent ability to turn foundational research into real-world applications, as seen in sectors like photovoltaics and electric vehicles. He notes that the new policy framework covers not only research but also the full spectrum of activities required to bring BCI technology into mainstream use.
Although China entered the BCI field later than some Western counterparts, it is quickly narrowing the gap. Multiple Chinese research institutions and private firms have already conducted successful human trials, enabling paralyzed patients to control computer cursors, operate robotic limbs, and even communicate through decoded speech. Last year, the government also introduced ethical guidelines governing BCI applications, underscoring its commitment to responsible innovation.
The recently published roadmap identifies 17 specific action items, including the development of advanced neural chips, improved signal decoding software, industry-wide standardization, and scaled manufacturing. Phoenix Peng, CEO of Shanghai-based NeuroXess, emphasized that government support reflects a shift from theoretical research to product development. His company has already implanted devices in six patients, achieving accurate speech decoding in three cases and enabling thought-controlled device operation in the others.
This coordinated effort between public policy and private enterprise suggests that China is positioning itself as a central force in the next wave of neurotechnology innovation.
(Source: Wired)
