In a landmark achievement for brain-computer interface (BCI) technology, scientists with the Chinese Academy of Sciences have enabled a paralysed man to control smart wheelchairs, robotic dogs and even perform paid work – all through the power of thought.
Announced by the Centre for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology (CEBSIT) this week, the development is the first time an individual with a high-level spinal cord injury has achieved stable, real-world control of multiple assistive robots using a fully implanted, wireless BCI system.
The patient has regained unprecedented power – ordering takeaway and bringing it home with a robot dog, sorting products remotely for work and moving around in the neighbourhood, even though he could not move at all below the neck.
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This achievement fulfils the vision behind Elon Musk’s “Telepathy” project, a trademarked concept aiming to let people control devices with their minds. While Neuralink’s clinical trials remain in early stages such as enabling patients to play video games and drink water, China has already advanced into real-world implementation.
Though Neuralink had an early head start in the race for brain-machine interfaces, China enjoys a far more integrated and comprehensive industrial ecosystem.
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Turning mind control into reality demands more than just a sophisticated neural implant – it requires seamless synergy between high-precision neurotechnology, ultra-low-latency wireless communication, advanced AI decoding and cutting-edge robotics.