修复瘫痪、增强常人，脑机接口会成未来人类「外挂」吗？

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the emerging potential of brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) in consumer healthcare over the next five to ten years, highlighting significant advancements and investments in the field, particularly in the context of medical applications and the integration of AI technologies [4][10]. Group 1: Industry Developments - In mid-2025, Neuralink, led by Elon Musk, secured $650 million in funding, reaching a valuation of $9 billion, expanding its focus from severe motor function disorders to include rehabilitation for patients with speech and vision impairments [4]. - In August, Sam Altman initiated the establishment of Merge Labs, aiming to raise $250 million from OpenAI to utilize ultrasound technology for reading and modulating brain signals [5]. - In November, Synchron raised $200 million in Series D funding, while Paradromics received FDA approval to commence human clinical trials for speech function restoration using BCIs [6]. Group 2: Chinese Market Dynamics - Chinese BCI startups, such as Borui Kang and Ladder Medical, are progressing steadily under strict medical device regulations, leveraging domestic clinical resources to advance clinical trials and product optimization [7]. - Ladder Medical's invasive BCI system completed China's first prospective clinical trial at Huashan Hospital in March, and in November, it entered the "green channel" of the National Medical Products Administration, potentially shortening the clinical validation to market access timeline [7]. Group 3: Application Scenarios - The primary application scenarios for BCIs include brain-controlled systems for decoding motor and speech intentions, neuroregulation for managing brain disorders, and sensory reconstruction for restoring lost sensory functions [11][12]. - The clinical value of BCIs in treating diseases is expected to be validated within the next three to five years, improving patients' quality of life and work capabilities [13]. Group 4: Future Prospects - The consumer healthcare attributes of BCIs are anticipated to emerge in the next five to ten years, transforming human-machine interaction and enhancing efficiency through direct brain control of intelligent devices [14]. - The goal of Ladder Medical's BCI system is to enable severely disabled patients to control external electronic devices and improve their quality of life, including daily activities and re-engagement with the digital world [15][17]. Group 5: Data and AI Integration - The accumulation of single-cell data from BCIs is crucial for advancing neuroscience understanding and enhancing product design and application scenarios [21][23]. - AI and algorithms will play a significant role in processing complex brain data, with the potential to develop a foundational model that improves the performance of future patients' decoding capabilities [24]. Group 6: Human-Machine Fusion - The integration of BCIs with AI is seen as a necessary evolution, creating a seamless connection between humans and machines, which could lead to enhanced capabilities beyond current human limits [27][29]. - The article emphasizes the importance of maintaining human control over AI systems to prevent loss of agency, advocating for a harmonious coexistence between humans and intelligent systems [29].