In Depth: China’s Drive to Develop the Tech to Move Machines With Thoughts Alone

In 2023, a pioneering medical procedure marked a significant milestone in brain-computer interface (BCI) technology as a 55-year-old paralyzed Chinese man, surnamed Yang, became the first individual in the country to undergo semi-invasive BCI surgery. This technology, which enables controlling devices through brain signals, allowed Yang to manipulate a robotic arm using thought alone [para. 1]. Originally conceptualized by Jacques Vidal, a U.S. professor, over fifty years ago, BCI has since transitioned from theory to practice, finding applications in treating diverse conditions like consciousness disorders and paralysis [para. 2][para. 3].

The global market for BCI technology was valued at $2.35 billion in 2023, with expectations to surpass $10 billion by 2033, driven by an annual growth rate of over 16% [para. 4]. China's rapid advancements in BCI research have placed the country at the forefront of clinical applications globally, particularly as the nation integrates scientific and technological innovation into its economic growth plans. In 2023, China introduced ethical guidelines and plans to establish standards for BCI technology [para. 5].

BCIs are categorized by their method of accessing brain signals: non-invasive, invasive, and interventional. In 2023, non-invasive BCIs, which involve attaching electrodes to the scalp, dominated the market with an 85.94% revenue share. However, these devices may struggle with signal fidelity compared to more intrusive methods [para. 7][para. 8][para. 9]. Xu Minpeng, a prominent figure in BCI development, highlighted the limitations of non-invasive techniques by comparing them to watching a live event from outside the stadium [para. 10]. Xu's advancements included a high-speed BCI system responding to 216 commands, demonstrating substantial progress in detecting weaker brain signals [para. 11].

Invasive BCIs, which involve implanting electrodes directly into the brain, theoretically provide more accurate signals akin to a 'front-row' experience. This technique was first explored in 1969 by Eberhard Fetz and later in China in 2020, where pioneering efforts allowed a paralyzed man to self-feed using robotic assistance [para. 12][para. 13][para. 14]. However, invasive procedures pose risks, including infections and potential cognitive impairments, as evident from mixed outcomes in trials like those conducted by Neuralink, which reported complications and limited success rates in human applications [para. 17][para. 20][para. 21]. Despite these challenges, projections indicate promising growth for invasive BCI technologies, particularly for aiding the paralyzed and visually impaired [para. 22].

Semi-invasive BCIs represent a middle ground, with electrodes positioned between the skull and cerebral membranes. Yang's semi-invasive BCI has not only enabled robotic arm control but also some sensory restoration, indicating possible nervous system recovery due to device integration [para. 27]. A parallel semi-invasive advancement was observed in Switzerland, although concerns about infection necessitated device removal after a few months [para. 29].

Interventional BCIs offer a less intrusive alternative by situating electrodes on blood vessel walls via catheters. Early experiments led by Professor Duan Feng in China demonstrated effective control of mechanical limbs by animals, with plans for human trials underway [para. 32]. Synchron, a U.S. company, is also exploring this method and reported stable signal performance without serious side effects in initial human trials [para. 34].

These advancements in BCI technology, involving varying degrees of invasiveness, illustrate the diverse potential applications and ongoing efforts to improve the precision and safety of these cutting-edge systems in both clinical and everyday settings.