China Expected to See Wide Application of Brain-Computer Interface Technology Within 3-5 Years

China is poised to enter the era of brain-computer interface (BCI) technology within the next three to five years, according to a senior Chinese neuroscientist.

Yao Dezhong, director of the Sichuan Brain Science and Brain-like Intelligence Research Institute, told Reuters that as technology continues to mature, China's BCI technology is expected to move into practical public applications within three to five years.

"New policies won't change everything overnight," Yao said in an interview during the annual sessions of China's National People's Congress. "I believe in three to five years, we will gradually see some brain-computer interface products begin to genuinely serve the public."

China's newly unveiled five-year plan has designated brain-computer interface as a key strategic industry, alongside quantum technology, embodied intelligence, 6G, and nuclear fusion.

China has already become the second country in the world to conduct invasive brain-computer interface human trials. Currently, more than 10 trials are underway in China, matching the level of activity in the United States. This year, scientists plan to recruit more than 50 patients nationwide to participate in related research.

Some trials have already enabled paralyzed patients and amputees to regain partial mobility, including the ability to control mechanical arms or smart wheelchairs.

A national brain-computer interface development strategy released last year set ambitious targets: achieve key technological breakthroughs by 2027 and cultivate two to three world-class enterprises by 2030.

Several BCI treatment programs have already been included in the national insurance system in pilot provinces. Market research firm CCID predicts China's brain-computer interface market will reach 5.58 billion yuan by 2027.

"China has multiple advantages in the brain-computer interface field, including a large population, significant patient demand, a产业链 with clear cost advantages, and ample STEM talent reserves," Yao noted.

He emphasized that including brain-computer interface in the insurance system and establishing national standards aim to bridge the significant gap between research, industry, and clinical application.

"The process from experimental research to clinical application remains very long, and this is still a problem that needs solving," Yao said, adding that many Chinese hospitals have already established brain-computer interface laboratories to accelerate the technology's entry into clinical settings.

Regarding technical approaches, while U.S. company Neuralink primarily develops invasive chips directly implanted into brain tissue, Chinese researchers are pursuing invasive, semi-invasive, and non-invasive brain-computer interface technologies to expand broader medical applications. Semi-invasive BCI devices are typically placed on the surface of the brain, offering slightly reduced signal quality but lower risk of tissue damage and postoperative complications.

Yao described Neuralink's surgical robot, which can implant hundreds of electrodes into the brain within minutes, as "a technological advantage, I think it's remarkable." However, he noted that China's progress in this field is also rapid: "In fact,马斯克's technological approach can basically be realized in China as well."