At a high‑profile conference in Shanghai, Chinese researchers unveiled a wave of brain‑computer interface (BCI) breakthroughs that could change everyday life for millions. Shanghai Stair Medical reported the first clinical trial of its BCI‑controlled smart wheelchair – a patient was able to steer the chair smoothly just one month after surgery, a moment the company’s chief called “like a dream.” Jingyu Medical showcased a “brain pacemaker” that delivers tiny electrical pulses to calm tremors and rigidity in Parkinson’s patients, while its founder highlighted a 13‑year effort that now treats addiction, OCD and autism with the world’s first large‑scale randomized trial. Other highlights included Zhizhan Medical’s ultra‑flexible 100‑channel invasive BCI, Shenfu Rehabilitation’s brain‑spinal link that lets paralyzed volunteers take steps again, and Quanlan’s precision insomnia‑control system. A lightweight sleep‑monitor from Shenzong Technology has already been approved for use in more than 800 hospitals. Industry leader Li Wenyu shared three bold visions: AI avatars of lost loved ones, deeper fusion of ICT with medicine, and a united front to tackle brain‑science challenges. Perhaps the most striking demo came from MingShi Brain‑Computer, where researchers projected multi‑color images directly onto the visual cortex of blind volunteers, proving that cortical implants paired with smart glasses can restore basic sight. The technology is now moving into larger trials, with hopes of a market launch around 2030, offering new hope to the millions suffering from Parkinson’s, addiction, visual loss and other neurological conditions.
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