China's Brain-Computer Interface Technology Expected to Enter Public Application in 3-5 Years, Included in National Key Strategy

Yao Dezhong, president of Sichuan Institute of Brain Science and Brain-like Intelligence, stated that China's brain-computer interface (BCI) technology is expected to enter practical public application in the next 3 to 5 years. The technology has been included in China's new five-year plan as a key strategic industry, alongside cutting-edge fields like quantum technology and embodied intelligence. Currently, China is the second country globally to conduct invasive BCI human trials, with over 10 ongoing trials—on par with the US. This year, more than 50 patients will be recruited for research; some trials have helped paralyzed or amputated patients regain the ability to control robotic hands or smart wheelchairs. Some treatment projects have been included in national medical insurance in pilot provinces, and CCID Consulting predicts the Chinese BCI market will reach 5.58 billion yuan by 2027. Yao Dezhong noted that China has advantages in population, patient demand, industrial chain cost, and STEM talent in this field. In terms of technical routes, China is advancing invasive, semi-invasive, and non-invasive technologies simultaneously to expand medical application scenarios.