A 43-year-old epilepsy patient at Huashan Hospital affiliated with Fudan University has achieved the ability to control actions and synthesize speech through thought, thanks to a collaborative brain-computer interface (BCI) technology project between NeuroXess and the hospital. This advancement marks a significant step forward in BCI technology, offering potential solutions for patients with motor and speech disorders.
Technological Breakthroughs in BCI
In 2024, China saw multiple clinical trials utilizing partially-invasive and invasive BCI technologies. The aforementioned patient, who had a brain tumor in the language area, was able to synthesize Chinese speech, control a digital avatar, interact with large language models, and manipulate robotic hands in real-time through neural signals. NeuroXess reported that the patient achieved 71% accuracy in decoding 142 commonly used Chinese syllables within seven days of training post-surgery, with a decoding delay of under 100 milliseconds for single characters.
Professor Hong Bo from Tsinghua University announced that their partially invasive BCI device, NEO, is slated for large-scale clinical trials in 2025, aiming to recruit 30-50 spinal injury patients for implantation. The team intends to seek regulatory approval for market launch following these trials.
Industry and Regulatory Developments
Cities like Beijing and Shanghai are actively promoting BCI technology development through action plans focusing on regulatory policies, clinical trials, and industrial chain development. The Beijing Municipal Science and Technology Commission aims to achieve key technological breakthroughs by 2027, with a mature BCI ecosystem by 2030. Shanghai's focus is on medical-grade applications and the deployment of invasive and partially invasive BCI technologies.
Zhou Zhitao, Professor at the Shanghai Institute of Microsystems and Information Technology at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, noted that partially-invasive and invasive BCI technologies offer superior spatial resolution and signal-to-noise ratios due to their proximity to neurons. He stated, "These paths are primarily used in serious medical fields, treating neuro-diseases that conventional medical methods cannot address, such as motor or speech disorders, helping patients regain basic life functions and improve their quality of life."
Addressing Ethical Challenges
Experts emphasize that BCI technology is still in its early stages and faces challenges, particularly regarding patient safety, data privacy, and ethical considerations. Professor Mao Ying, president of Huashan Hospital, stressed the importance of handling patient brain data with utmost care to prevent privacy breaches. He also cautioned against overly high expectations, emphasizing the need for continuous refinement and improvement in surgical practices to avoid potential psychological harm to patients.
Mao suggested establishing a regulatory mechanism for medical ethics and improving public understanding of BCI technology to facilitate its widespread adoption. He added, "Currently, BCI technology is mainly focused on treating clinical diseases, especially for patients with lost neural functions... BCI's clinical applications are still in the early stages, and there is a long way to go before full development is achieved."
