People's Daily: Breakthroughs in key technologies will be made in 2027

Brilliant ideas come true! China has proposed to achieve breakthroughs in key brain-computer interface technologies by 2027

The human brain is one of the greatest mysteries in scientific research. Brain-computer interface, the "communication channel" of the human brain to the outside world, through which one can communicate and interact with the outside world with "thoughts".

On February 14th, the brain-computer interface intelligent equipment was displayed at the 2025 Suzhou "Artificial Intelligence Plus" Innovation and Development Promotion Conference and the In-depth Tour of Artificial Intelligence Empowering New Industrialization (Suzhou Station). Photo by Li Bo, Xinhua News Agency

The sci-fi scenes of the past are now on the verge of unfolding. The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology and seven other departments have newly issued the Implementation Opinions on promoting the Innovative Development of the brain-computer interface industry, clearly stating that by 2027, breakthroughs will be made in key technologies of brain-computer interfaces. By 2030, its comprehensive strength will rank among the world's top...

The "roadmap" not only clearly depicts the prospects of future industries, but also proclaims that China will continue to scale this technological peak, bringing health benefits to more patients and families.

By attaching electrodes as thin as cicada wings to the patient's dura mater, the inner thoughts of the speechless person can be "heard". At Xuanwu Hospital of Capital Medical University, the brain-computer interface "North Brain No.1" has helped patients with AMyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) rebuild their communication skills.

Paralyzed patients use brain-controlled robotic arms to write, and blind people "see" light and shadow through chip interfaces... A number of international tech giants are all "betting" on brain-computer interfaces. In the future, with the continuous development of technology, diseases such as stroke and Parkinson's disease will have more treatment possibilities.

Brain-computer interface technology has a development history of over a hundred years and has been growing rapidly in recent years. Key components such as interface electrodes are in urgent need of breakthroughs, and there are still bottlenecks in the practical application of technology, which require policy promotion to solve.

Activate the neurons of innovation! Focusing on the issues, the documents issued this time take multiple measures and offer effective solutions.

Targeted breakthroughs --

Accelerate the breakthroughs in the research and development of implantable devices; Innovate product forms such as forehead patch type, ear patch type, in-ear type and hairpin type, and develop integrated brain-computer interface products such as helmets, headsets, glasses and headphones. Develop communication chips with ultra-low power consumption, high speed and high reliability; Improve the brain signal encoding and decoding software...

The opinions should sort out the entire industrial chain, focus on the key links that need to be broken through urgently in the current and future development, and make scientific and technological research and development arrangements one by one.

In addition, the opinions also clearly defined key projects such as the core software and hardware foundation Strengthening project and the complete machine quality project. This includes developing an emotion state detection system based on electroencephalogram (EEG), researching and developing brain-controlled robots, brain-controlled computers, brain-controlled household appliances and other products, as well as exoskeleton products based on EEG signal feedback.

Accelerate implementation

The opinion specifically proposes to support the development of testing and evaluation institutions, establish product testing norms, develop dedicated instruments for brain signal inspection and testing, clarify the layout and construction of product pilot production platforms, organize and carry out the "Challenge and Response" for key tasks, and accelerate the research and development and industrial application of new products.

It is worth noting that the opinions also focus on three scenarios: industrial manufacturing, medical and health care, and daily consumption, and plan for application expansion, such as promoting the pilot use in key industries like dangerous goods, nuclear energy, mining, and power. Real-time monitoring and analysis of brain activity characteristics through brain-computer interface products can prevent potential health problems. Monitor the physiological state of drivers through brain-computer interfaces and promptly alert them of abnormal conditions such as drowsiness, inattention, and slow reaction.

On April 30th, at the residence of the subjects located in Shanghai, the subjects played racing games through brain-computer interfaces. Photo by Dai Yanmiao/Xinhua News Agency

Strengthening support

It is proposed that incubators and industrial parks be built in a classified and tiered manner, leading enterprises in the field of brain-computer interfaces be developed and strengthened, the "Start-up Enterprise Cultivation Project" be implemented, and cooperation between brain-computer interfaces and enterprises in fields such as artificial intelligence, new materials, and robotics be promoted.

In addition, the opinion also requires the establishment of a technical standard system for brain-computer interfaces and the layout of a standardized development roadmap. Continuously promote ethical research and establish a governance system featuring collaboration among health departments and social participation. Strengthen the cultivation of talents in related disciplines and specialties, and plan and build characteristic colleges such as the Future Technology College and the Modern Industry College.

Relevant departments and regions have also introduced corresponding measures to ensure that new technologies can smoothly enter the "fast lane".

The National Healthcare Security Administration has issued the "Guidelines for the Project Initiation of Price Items for Neurological Medical Services (Trial)", setting up price items such as the insertion fee and extraction fee for invasive brain-computer interfaces. Beijing, Shanghai and other places have released action plans, providing clear development directions for regulatory policies, clinical trials, industrial clusters and other aspects in the field of brain-computer interfaces. The Artificial Intelligence Ethics Subcommittee of the National Science and Technology Ethics Committee has studied and compiled the ethical guidelines for brain-computer interface research...

In this technological revolution and industrial transformation that concerns human health and well-being, we are accelerating and the future is promising!

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