从实验室走向产业化 脑机接口让科幻照进现实

Core Viewpoint - The development of brain-computer interface (BCI) technology is transitioning from laboratory research to industrial application, becoming a significant economic growth point as outlined in China's 14th Five-Year Plan [1][13]. Group 1: Technology Overview - Brain-computer interfaces allow direct communication between the brain and external devices, enabling individuals with motor impairments to regain control over their movements [1][6]. - The technology captures brain signals and translates them into machine-readable commands, facilitating interaction with devices without physical movement [6][10]. - Current challenges in BCI technology include accurately decoding brain signals, understanding the vast number of neurons involved, and effectively modulating these signals for therapeutic purposes [10][11]. Group 2: Market Potential - The global BCI market is currently valued at several billion dollars and is projected to exceed $10 billion by 2030, with the medical application sector alone expected to reach $40 billion by 2030 and $145 billion by 2040 [15][16]. - The BCI industry is seen as a high-end sector that can drive advancements in various related fields, including neuroscience, AI, and clinical medicine [13][15]. Group 3: Research and Development - Significant breakthroughs in key BCI technologies have been achieved, laying the groundwork for further industrialization [13]. - Innovative devices, such as the "bio-invisible" neural electrode developed at Tsinghua University, aim to minimize the body's rejection response, enhancing the safety and stability of implanted devices [18][20]. Group 4: Education and Talent Development - Educational institutions, such as Tianjin University, are establishing specialized programs in BCI to cultivate skilled professionals capable of advancing the field [21]. - The curriculum includes both theoretical and practical components, preparing students to contribute to various interdisciplinary applications of BCI technology [21]. Group 5: Application Scenarios - BCI technology has been successfully applied in clinical settings, allowing patients with paralysis to control devices like computers and robotic systems through thought alone [23][25]. - Recent advancements include the first wireless Chinese language BCI trial, enabling patients with speech impairments to communicate basic needs through thought [27]. Group 6: Policy Support - The Chinese government is actively promoting the BCI industry through policy initiatives aimed at fostering innovation and setting developmental goals for 2027 and 2030 [28]. - Various regions, including Beijing and Shanghai, have introduced policies to support the rapid development of BCI technology [28].