Core Viewpoint - The brain-computer interface (BCI) technology is advancing rapidly, with companies like Neuralink and Synchron making significant strides in clinical trials, aiming to restore lost functions in patients with paralysis or neurological diseases [1][2][3] Group 1: Current Developments in BCI Technology - Neuralink has completed craniotomy implants in a small number of patients, focusing on restoring motor and speech functions, with plans to conduct speech cortex experiments by Q4 2025 [1] - Synchron has validated the safety and partial recovery of daily functions for paralyzed patients through minimally invasive vascular implants [1] - The public is caught between two visions: one of hope for restoring lost functions and another fueled by tech leaders' marketing, leading to concerns about the implications of BCI technology [1][2] Group 2: Ethical Considerations and Limitations - High Xiaorong, a professor at Tsinghua University, emphasizes that BCI is not a shortcut to "superhuman" capabilities but rather a technology focused on repair and assistance under ethical constraints [2][3] - The concept of "superhumanization" raises ethical issues regarding fairness and accessibility, leading to a shift in focus towards clinical applications [3][4] Group 3: Potential Applications and Future Directions - BCI technology could facilitate human-machine collaboration, addressing communication gaps between human and artificial intelligence [4] - Possible applications include memory enhancement for Alzheimer's patients and aiding communication for those unable to speak [8][9] - The technology is expected to evolve, with advancements in AI playing a crucial role in processing large data sets generated by BCI devices [10] Group 4: Challenges and Research Landscape - Current challenges include hardware and software limitations, with a need for improved signal processing capabilities [10][12] - Clinical applications are primarily focused on medical fields, with potential expansions into elder care, cognitive rehabilitation, and emotional support [15] - The research landscape shows that China leads in non-invasive and semi-invasive studies, while the U.S. excels in invasive research [16] Group 5: Timeline for Maturity - The timeline for achieving mature BCI technology has been revised from an initial estimate of 60 years to a more optimistic 15 to 20 years, although significant limitations still exist [17][18]
清华教授高小榕：脑机接口竞速，中美在不同路径上“并跑”
3 6 Ke·2025-09-05 11:19