A Chinese research team has achieved a significant milestone in brain-computer interface (BCI) technology, demonstrating successful real-time language decoding in a clinical trial. The breakthrough, utilizing a domestically developed, invasive flexible BCI system, allows a patient to convert thoughts into Chinese text on a computer for communication.
The clinical trial, conducted at Huashan Hospital affiliated with Fudan University, involved a 43-year-old patient with a language-related brain tumor and epilepsy. The patient underwent surgery to implant a flexible electronic film designed to localize the tumor and protect critical language areas of the brain. Within two days post-surgery, the patient began training with the BCI system. After seven days, the patient achieved 71% accuracy in decoding 142 commonly used Chinese syllables, with a decoding delay of under 100 milliseconds for single characters.
Thought-to-Text Translation
The BCI system enabled the patient to conceive the phrase "2025 Happy New Year" and have it decoded by a computer. Subsequently, the system directed a robotic arm to make a heart-shaped gesture, marking the first instance of a New Year's greeting conveyed via thought. This achievement underscores the potential of BCI technology to restore communication abilities in individuals with severe motor and language impairments.
Collaborative Effort
This advancement is the result of a collaborative effort between NeuroXess, Huashan Hospital, and the Tianqiao and Chrissy Chen Institute. The project highlights China's growing capabilities in the BCI field, positioning it among the global leaders in this technology.
Prior Achievements in Motor Function
Prior to this language decoding breakthrough, the team had also made significant progress in decoding movement intention. In August 2024, NeuroXess and Huashan Hospital completed a clinical trial that assisted patients with motor disabilities in regaining motor function through brain-controlled smart devices.
Future Directions
NeuroXess has indicated that the language decoding clinical trial was a one-month short-term in vivo experiment. The team plans to initiate longer-term in vivo clinical trials with the goal of achieving multi-center registration for three categories of medical devices. Additionally, Tsinghua University is developing a partially invasive BCI device, NEO, with plans to begin large-scale clinical trials in 2025, focusing on spinal injury patients.
