China has unveiled its latest advancement in brain-machine interface (BMI) technology with the introduction of the NeuCyber Array BMI System at the opening ceremony of the 2024 Zhongguancun Forum in Beijing on Thursday.
The highlight of the presentation was a groundbreaking video demonstration showcasing a monkey controlling a robotic arm purely through thought. With its hands gently restrained and soft electrode filaments implanted in its brain, the monkey mentally directed the robotic arm to grasp a strawberry, illustrating the remarkable capabilities of the BMI system.
“The NeuCyber Array BMI System fills the gap in high-performance invasive brain-machine interface technology in China,” said Luo Minmin, director of the Chinese Institute for Brain Research in Beijing. The system is a collaborative development between the institute and NeuCyber NeuroTech (Beijing) Co., Ltd.
The BMI serves as an “information highway” for the brain, facilitating direct communication with external devices. This cutting-edge technology deciphers the subtle electrical signals of neurons, effectively translating the brain’s intentions into physical actions. “In short, the technology captures the subtle changes of electrical signals from neurons and decodes the brain’s intentions, to realize thoughts control actions,” Luo explained.
The introduction of the NeuCyber Array BMI System marks a significant milestone in the field of human-machine interaction and hybrid intelligence. It holds promising potential for applications ranging from medical rehabilitation to advanced prosthetics and beyond.
The Zhongguancun Forum, often regarded as China’s premier platform for scientific and technological innovation, provided an ideal venue for such a pivotal announcement. The forum gathers experts, entrepreneurs, and officials from around the globe to discuss advancements and collaborations in technology and innovation.
As China continues to invest heavily in neuroscience and BMI technologies, developments like the NeuCyber Array BMI System underscore the nation’s commitment to being at the forefront of cutting-edge research with far-reaching implications for both the scientific community and society at large.
Reference(s):
China unveils new brain-machine interface system at Zhongguancun Forum
cgtn.com
