What is the current status of brain-machine interface development?
“North Brain No. 2” has achieved a groundbreaking milestone by enabling non-human primates to intercept two-dimensional moving targets using brain control for the first time internationally.
In an experiment, a small monkey sits in a specially designed chair, intently focused on a screen in front of it. By merely thinking, it directs a circular icon on the screen to move according to its wishes. This capability is powered by “North Brain No. 2,” a brain-machine interface device connected to the monkey’s brain via two long wires. This achievement marks a significant advancement in brain control technology.
On October 24, a large-scale thematic interview titled “New Quality Productive Forces Viewed in Beijing” took place at Beijing Tiantan Hospital. Neurosurgeons discussed the pressing need for recovery solutions for stroke patients, particularly those with permanent disabilities, as nearly 30% of individuals who suffer strokes carry long-term effects. The development of brain-machine interfaces holds promise for these patients, potentially offering rehabilitation or enhanced functionality.
The brain-machine interface has been designated as a key industry in Beijing. Significant developments include the creation of high-channel flexible microelectrodes, specialized chips for brain-machine interfaces, and precise, low-latency real-time neural decoding systems. These innovations contribute to various models for instantly decoding movement and language based on cortex-generated brain waves.
In recent years, brain-machine interfaces have become a hot topic in research, garnering immense expectations for clinical applications. Yang Yi, Director of the Neurosurgery Center at Beijing Tiantan Hospital, explained that due to the rising incidence of strokes and injuries, especially among younger populations, many patients are left with disabilities such as cognitive impairment and motor function loss. While existing rehabilitation methods can help to some extent, many patients still face permanent consequences.
Du Xiaojing, Deputy Director of the Medical Division at the Beijing Municipal Science and Technology Commission, provided insight into the city’s progress in this field: “We’ve developed high-channel flexible microelectrodes, specialized chips, and systems for real-time neural decoding, which are vital for advancing brain-machine interface technology.”
The R&D process for intelligent brain-machine systems has progressed significantly. The “North Brain No. 1” has completed the development of high-density flexible cortical electrodes and has a wireless implant version nearing completion. The wired “North Brain No. 2” successfully created a high-throughput flexible microelectrode system and a thousand-channel EEG acquisition system, addressing international challenges of long-term stable recording and real-time decoding of large-scale single-cell signals.
Additionally, clinical studies of brain-machine interfaces have shown promise, with a wireless minimally invasive interface allowing patients to perform tasks like drinking water autonomously using their thoughts.
Li Yuan, Business Development Director of Beijing Xinzhida Neurotechnology Co., explained that the “North Brain No. 1” system aims to meet clinical needs for rehabilitation related to major brain diseases and movement and language disabilities. They are developing a wireless fully implanted micro-system and have completed engineering machine development, with plans to begin clinical studies on long-term implants and decoding in human subjects in early 2025.
The “North Brain No. 2” system competes with Elon Musk’s Neuralink and focuses on dynamic precision control, cognitive recovery and enhancement, and other advanced functionalities. It has been stably implanted in a macaque for a year and has achieved international recognition for its ability to intercept two-dimensional moving targets.
In a demonstration video, the monkey, equipped with the brain-machine interface, directs a cursor on the screen simply by thinking. Beyond controlling on-screen icons, the “North Brain No. 2” system can manipulate a robotic arm for dynamic target interception tasks.
Looking ahead, Beijing aims to prioritize the development of brain-machine interfaces and humanoid robots, among other industries. Yang Pengyu, Director of the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Division at the Beijing Municipal Science and Technology Commission, emphasized the importance of strategically significant and disruptive emerging industries in shaping the future.
In September 2023, the city implemented the “Implementation Plan for Promoting Innovation and Development of Future Industries,” with the goal of attracting influential innovative entities and forming globally leading industrial clusters by 2035.
Beijing focuses on six major areas of future industries—future information, health, manufacturing, energy, materials, and space—targeting twenty sub-industrial directions, particularly in health-related sectors such as brain-machine interfaces and cellular technologies.
Last year, Beijing’s pharmaceutical and health industry generated an impressive revenue of 976.1 billion yuan, providing a solid foundation for its growth. The city’s action plans emphasize the importance of biotechnology and brain-machine interfaces, aiming to foster significant scientific breakthroughs and technological innovations that shape new competitive advantages.
As we look toward the future, Beijing’s strategic initiatives continue to promote innovation and collaboration across these cutting-edge fields, ensuring that the city remains at the forefront of technological advancement.
Reporter: Dai Xuan
(Xin Jing Bao) Editor: Cao Zijian
