Brain-Computer InterfaceHas Become the Future of ShanghaiIndustryKey Development Directions。
Recently, Shanghai's "15th Five-Year Plan" clearly focuses on advanced manufacturing as the backbone to build a "2+3+6+6" modern industrial system and create a world-class high-end industrial cluster. Among the six emerging pillar industrial clusters, the future health sector mentioned strengthening the agile layout of brain-computer interfaces and accelerating their development into a significant trend.
During the 2026 Shanghai Two Sessions, Wu Jinsong, member of the Municipal Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) and Deputy Director of the Department of Neurosurgery at Huashan Hospital Affiliated with Fudan UniversityIt is suggested that the brain-computer interface technology is currently in a critical period of transitioning from laboratory to industrialization. Shanghai must seize the opportunity to accelerate the establishment of itself as a global leading city for brain-computer interface.
Jin Chunlin, director of the Shanghai Health Development Research Center, told Interface News that the "Future Health" positioning defines brain-computer interfaces asBeyond the scope of traditional medical devices, regarded as the frontier direction at the intersection of life sciences, artificial intelligence, and advanced manufacturing.。Clear Strategic Signals，Strong Policy Support in ShanghaiSeize the commanding heights of global technological competition.
He believes that,The focus of "agile layout" is to respond more flexibly and quickly to technological iterations and scenario expansions, accelerating technology transformation through mechanism innovation (such as fast-track approval channels), and seizing critical time windows.
The Communication Bridge Between the Real World and the Digital World
NeuroXess Founder and Chief Scientist Tao Hu Introduced to Interface News: Essentially, brain-computer interface is the core information channel for communication between the human brain and the outside world, which includes both the physical world and the digital world. Its main goal is to achieve deep integration between humans and the physical world, the digital world, human intelligence, and artificial intelligence.
Brain-computer interfaces have multiple technical routes, which can be divided into invasive, semi-invasive, and non-invasive according to the most common implantation methods.
Non-invasive methods, due to their ease of operation and high safety, have been applied in consumer-grade and some medical scenarios. However, limited by the barrier of the skull, the precision of signal acquisition is restricted, making it difficult to meet the high demands of critical patient rehabilitation in the short term. Invasive and semi-invasive approaches, despite facing technical and ethical challenges, have become the core breakthrough direction in the field of medical rehabilitation.
Brain-computer interface is at a turning point from laboratory to industrialization. Application scenarios can be roughly divided into several aspects: medical treatment, human-computer interaction, education and entertainment, military, etc.
Medical applications combined with human-computer interaction are the most widespread and commercially promising directions for brain-computer interface research and implementation. Both invasive and non-invasive brain-computer interfaces can help patients restore certain functions to varying degrees.Clinical focus is primarily on the reconstruction of functions such as movement and speech, with the fastest progress seen in motor function reconstruction.
Invasive brain-computer interfaces are mainly aimed at scenarios with high-precision requirements, such as the reconstruction of motor functions in paralyzed patients and the restoration of vision in visually impaired patients. By stimulating areas like the visual cortex of the brain, patients can regain the perception of external information.
The basic path is to implant the device in the body, place electrodes in specific areas for signal acquisition, analysis, and stimulation, then convert neural activity into usable control signals, allowing patients to manipulate external devices, such as robotic arms or computer cursors, through intention. Applications can cover motor and visual function reconstruction and extend to explorations in intervention for epilepsy, depression, and other directions.
Non-invasive brain-computer interfaces, with the advantages of convenience and safety, are more commonly seen in rehabilitation training. For instance, in stroke rehabilitation scenarios, patients wear head-mounted devices to collect EEG signals, which drive external rehabilitation equipment to complete training, thereby assisting in the recovery of motor functions such as upper limbs.
In policyPowerfulSupport, ShanghaiNeuroXessIn related fieldsHas enteredIn China and even globallyThe First Tier.
A relevant responsible person from NeuroXess introduced to The Paper that, through high-throughput and low-damage signal acquisition, their team has helped subjects achieve precise mind control over cursors, wheelchairs, and robotic arms, providing new possibilities for the reconstruction of movement and communication abilities for patients with neurological diseases such as paralysis and ALS.
The person in charge claimed that their developed "ultra-flexible micro-nano electrode" is currently the smallest (only 1 micron thick) and most flexible neural electrode in the world. Its cellular-level size and excellent biocompatibility make the brain tissue almost "unaware" of the implant, avoiding immune scarring, which is the basis for long-term stable recording of neural signals.
Tao Hu also introduced that by the end of October 2025, his team will launch the clinical trial of a "fully implanted, fully wireless, full-function" brain-computer interface to help patients gradually restore basic living abilities. After implantation, subjects will be able to achieve brain-controlled internet access, operate intelligent wheelchairs, interact with smart home devices, and collaborate with humanoid robots to perform tasks, thereby reducing daily reliance on family members and alleviating caregiving burdens.At the same time, through the iterative upgrade of the "interface device," the boundaries of device compatibility are further broken. Subjects can not only achieve the aforementioned core brain-control functions through NeuroXess's self-developed brain-computer operating system XessOS, but also complete interconnectivity and compatibility with most brands of tablets, gaming consoles, and other devices on the market, enabling cross-device brain-control operations. Subjects can independently choose compatible operational carriers based on their actual needs, allowing technology to better empower personalized usage scenarios.
It is reported that, on the occasion of the New Year, a subject controlled a Xiaomi tablet with their brain to purchase a new year outfit for their mother on Taobao, who has been taking meticulous care of them for years. They also ordered a New Year’s floral arrangement for their mother via a food delivery platform and drew the character “福” (meaning blessing) using brain control, which was then printed out for their mother to paste on the door to celebrate the New Year. This special gesture delivered through technology deeply moved the mother.
In Tao Hu's view, brain-computer interface is never a mere display of technical prowess; rather, it is a heartwarming medium that empowers patients to return to normal life and regain basic living abilities through technological strength. The ultimate significance of technology is to enable every patient to regain a sense of control over life, celebrate the New Year joyfully, and embrace boundless possibilities in life.
Brain-computer interfaces are also exploring applications in consumer scenarios such as education and entertainment. EEG monitoring products, mainly non-invasive devices, can be used to identify states like attention, stress, and sleep, helping users manage learning or sleep. For instance, some brain-computer interface sleep headphones focus on imperceptibly monitoring brain activity during sleep and use methods like sound to assist with relaxation and falling asleep.
In the military field, the concept of brain-computer interfaces focuses on human-machine collaboration and device control, such as inputting commands and manipulating unmanned systems or external devices through brain signals to enhance operational efficiency and response speed in complex environments.
Shanghai Builds New Heights for Brain-Computer Interface Transformation
The potential of brain-computer interfaces goes far beyond medical rehabilitation.
Tao Hu stated that brain-computer interface is absolutely not a small branch within the biopharmaceutical field, nor is it merely medical equipment. It has been elevated by the state to one of the six key directions of future industries in the 15th Five-Year Plan, reaching the level of a national strategy. It represents genuine hardcore technology and serves as an important driver linking various core technologies, with its strategic significance being self-evident. He believes,Medical devices are just a necessary stage in the development of brain-computer interfaces. In the form of medical devices, their irreplaceability and technical superiority in the medical field can be most directly demonstrated, laying the foundation for broader applications in the future.
Facing a broader future, it is particularly crucial to build a complete industrial chain in advance. As a highly interdisciplinary future industry, brain-computer interfaces span multiple fields such as clinical, medical devices, electronics, communications, and software, posing higher demands on the transformation system.
Reporters from The Paper learned that the brain-computer interface industry chain is long and involves multiple stages. The upstream sector covers key components such as flexible electrode materials, low-power brain-electric chips, biocompatible packaging, miniature batteries, and wireless communication modules. The midstream includes system integration, neural encoding-decoding algorithms, and data training platforms. The downstream connects to medical device registration and medical insurance integration, rehabilitation service systems, as well as broader application scenarios like smart home, AI large models, and embodied intelligence.
Currently, in related sectors, Shanghai has established a certain foundational layout and is gradually forming unique advantages.
Jin Chunlin introduced to The Paper that, in the brain-computer interface field, Shanghai currently has three main advantages: First, the concentration of research institutions, with a relatively dense presence of universities, institutes, and platforms related to brain science and brain-inspired research; second, an initial formation of an enterprise ecosystem, featuring both large companies deploying in equipment and robotics directions, as well as emerging startups tackling key areas like flexible electrodes; additionally, abundant clinical resources, with several top-tier hospitals already conducting brain-computer interface clinical explorations in areas such as spinal cord injury, while mental health-related institutions are also advancing intervention research in psychiatric disorders.
Tao Hu also believes that Shanghai's current layout is accurate and solid, with the core being to leverage synergy and focus on implementation rather than blindly chasing trends. Shanghai has natural advantages in research, clinical practice, and industry. The research strengths of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Fudan University, and Shanghai Jiao Tong University are robust, the clinical resources of top hospitals like Huashan Hospital are outstanding, and related companies are deeply engaged in key technologies, as mentioned in the 15th Five-Year Plan."Agile Layout"The key lies in linking up these resources to form a synergy.
The key to the development of the brain-computer interface industry is not about speed, but precision. Shanghai should focus on the core process of "research and development - clinical trials - transformation," ensuring that laboratory technologies meet clinical needs and avoiding redundant construction. More importantly, by leveraging brain-computer interfaces to integrate with AI, embodied intelligence, and integrated circuits—areas where Shanghai holds competitive advantages—it can build a "brain-computer interface+" ecosystem. Fundamentally, this aims to secure leadership in setting standards and driving industrial implementation within this field, where China and the U.S. are on equal footing, making Shanghai the central engine of the brain-computer interface industry rather than merely停留在概念层面.
Moreover, relevant representatives from NeuroXess also told Interface News that brain-computer interfaces heavily rely on cross-disciplinary collaboration. They hope Shanghai will attract more leading talents to return through special recruitment programs and a series of policy measures.
Interface News reporter |Li Kewen
Interface News Editor |Xie Xin
Brain-Computer InterfaceHas Become Shanghai's FutureIndustryKey Development Directions。
Recently, Shanghai's "15th Five-Year Plan" explicitly focuses on advanced manufacturing as the backbone to build a "2+3+6+6" modern industrial system, creating world-class high-end industrial clusters. Among the six emerging pillar industrial clusters, the future health sector emphasizes strengthening the agile layout of brain-computer interfaces and accelerating their development into a significant trend.
During the 2026 Shanghai Two Sessions, Wu Jinsong, member of the Municipal Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) and Deputy Director of the Department of Neurosurgery at Huashan Hospital Affiliated with Fudan UniversityIt is suggested that the brain-computer interface technology is currently in a critical period of transitioning from laboratory to industrialization. Shanghai must seize the opportunity to accelerate the establishment of itself as a global leading city for brain-computer interface.
Jin Chunlin, director of the Shanghai Health Development Research Center, told Interface News that the "Future Health" positioning defines brain-computer interfaces asBeyond the scope of traditional medical devices, regarded as the frontier direction at the intersection of life sciences, artificial intelligence, and advanced manufacturing.。Clear Strategic Signals，Strong Policy Support in ShanghaiSeize the commanding heights of global technological competition.
He believes that,The focus of "agile layout" is to respond more flexibly and quickly to technological iterations and scenario expansions, accelerating technology transformation through mechanism innovations (such as fast-track approval channels), and seizing critical time windows.
The Communication Bridge Between the Real World and the Digital World
NeuroXess Founder and Chief Scientist Tao Hu Introduced to the Interface News Reporter: Essentially, Brain-Computer Interface is the Core Information Channel for Human Brain to Communicate with the Outside World. Here, the Outside World Includes Both the Physical World and the Digital World. Its Core Objective is to Achieve Deep Integration Between Humans and the Physical World, the Digital World, as well as Between Human Intelligence and Artificial Intelligence.
Brain-computer interfaces have multiple technical routes, which can be divided into invasive, semi-invasive, and non-invasive according to the most common implantation methods.
Non-invasive methods, due to their ease of operation and high safety, have been applied in consumer-grade and some medical scenarios. However, limited by the obstruction of the skull, the precision of signal acquisition is restricted, making it difficult to meet the high demands of critical patient rehabilitation in the short term. Although invasive and semi-invasive methods face technical and ethical challenges, they have become the core breakthrough direction in the field of medical rehabilitation.
Brain-computer interface is at a turning point from laboratory to industrialization. Application scenarios can be roughly divided into several aspects: medical treatment, human-computer interaction, education and entertainment, military, etc.
The integration of medical applications with human-computer interaction represents the broadest and most commercially promising direction in brain-computer interface research and implementation. Both invasive and non-invasive brain-computer interfaces can help patients regain certain functions to varying degrees.Clinical focus is primarily on the reconstruction of functions such as movement and speech, with the reconstruction of motor function progressing the fastest.
Invasive brain-computer interfaces are mainly aimed at scenarios with high-precision requirements, such as the reconstruction of motor functions in paralyzed patients and the restoration of vision in visually impaired patients. By stimulating areas such as the visual cortex of the brain, patients can perceive external information.
The basic path is to implant the device in the body, place electrodes in specific areas for signal acquisition, analysis, and stimulation, then convert neural activity into usable control signals, allowing patients to manipulate external devices with their thoughts, such as robotic arms or computer cursors. Applications can cover motor and visual function reconstruction and extend to explorations of intervention in epilepsy, depression, and other directions.
Non-invasive brain-computer interfaces, with the advantages of convenience and safety, are more commonly seen in rehabilitation training. For instance, in stroke rehabilitation scenarios, patients wear head-mounted devices to collect EEG signals, which drive external rehabilitation equipment to complete training, thereby assisting in the recovery of motor functions such as upper limbs.
In policyPowerfulSupport, ShanghaiBrain-Computer Interface Innovation CompanyIn related fieldsHas enteredIn China and even globallyThe First Tier.
A relevant official from NeuroXess introduced to Interface News that, through high-throughput and low-damage signal acquisition, their team has helped subjects achieve precise mind control over cursors, wheelchairs, and robotic arms. This provides new possibilities for the restoration of motor and communication abilities in patients with paralysis, ALS, and other neurological disorders.
The person in charge claimed that their developed "ultra-flexible micro-nano electrode" is currently the smallest (only 1 micron thick) and most flexible neural electrode in the world. Its cellular-level size and excellent biocompatibility make the brain tissue almost "unaware" of the implant, avoiding immune scarring, which is the basis for long-term stable recording of neural signals.
Tao Hu also introduced that by the end of October 2025, his team will launch the clinical trial of a "fully implanted, fully wireless, full-featured" brain-computer interface to help patients gradually restore basic living abilities. After implantation, participants will be able to achieve internet browsing through brain control, operate intelligent wheelchairs, interact with smart home devices, and collaborate with humanoid robots to perform tasks, thereby reducing daily reliance on family members and alleviating caregiving burdens.At the same time, through the iterative upgrade of the "interface device," the boundaries of device compatibility are further broken. Subjects can not only realize the above-mentioned core brain-control functions through NeuroXess's self-developed brain-computer operating system XessOS but also achieve interconnectivity and compatibility with most brands of tablets, gaming consoles, and other devices on the market, enabling cross-device brain-control operations. According to their specific needs, subjects can independently choose compatible operational carriers, allowing technology to empower more personalized usage scenarios.
It is reported that, on the occasion of the upcoming New Year, a test subject used a brain-controlled Xiaomi tablet to purchase a new year outfit for their mother, who has been caring for them attentively over the years, via Taobao. They also ordered a Spring Festival bouquet for their mother through a food delivery platform. Additionally, they drew the character "Fu" (meaning good fortune) using brain control, printed it, and had their mother paste it on the door to welcome the New Year. This special gesture delivered by technology deeply moved the mother.
In Tao Hu's view, brain-computer interfaces have never been a mere display of technical prowess, but rather a heartwarming medium that harnesses the power of technology to help patients return to normal life and regain fundamental living abilities. The ultimate significance of technology is to enable every patient to regain a sense of control over their lives, celebrate the New Year with joy, and embrace boundless possibilities in life.
Brain-computer interfaces are also exploring applications in consumer scenarios such as education and entertainment. EEG monitoring products, mainly non-invasive devices, can be used to identify states like attention, stress, and sleep, helping users with learning management or sleep management. For example, some brain-computer interface sleep headphones focus on imperceptibly monitoring brain activity during the sleep process and provide relaxation and sleep assistance through sound.
In the military field, the concept of brain-computer interfaces focuses on human-machine collaboration and device control, such as using brain signals to input commands and manipulate unmanned systems or external devices, thereby enhancing operational efficiency and response speed in complex environments.
Shanghai Builds New Heights for Brain-Computer Interface Transformation
The potential of brain-computer interfaces goes far beyond medical rehabilitation.
Tao Hu stated that brain-computer interface is absolutely not a small branch within the biopharmaceutical field, nor is it merely medical equipment. It has been elevated by the state to one of the six key directions of future industries in the Fifteenth Five-Year Plan, reaching the national strategic level. It represents cutting-edge hardcore technology and serves as an important lever linking various core technologies, with its strategic significance being self-evident. He believes that,Medical devices are just a necessary stage in the development of brain-computer interfaces. In the form of medical devices, their irreplaceability and technical superiority in the medical field can be most directly demonstrated, laying the foundation for broader applications in the future.
Facing a broader future, it is particularly crucial to build a complete industrial chain in advance. As a highly interdisciplinary future industry, brain-computer interface spans multiple fields such as clinical, medical devices, electronics, communications, and software, posing higher demands on the transformation system.
Interface News reporters learned that the brain-computer interface industry chain is long and involves many links. The upstream sector covers key components such as flexible electrode materials, low-power brain-electric chips, biocompatible packaging, micro-batteries, and wireless communication modules. The midstream includes system integration, neural encoding-decoding algorithms, and data training platforms. The downstream connects to medical device registration and medical insurance integration, rehabilitation service systems, as well as broader application scenarios like smart home, AI large models, and embodied intelligence.
Currently, in related sectors, Shanghai has built a certain foundational layout and is gradually forming unique advantages.
Jin Chunlin introduced to The Paper that, in the brain-computer interface field, Shanghai currently has three main advantages: First, the concentration of research institutions, with a relatively dense presence of universities, institutes, and platforms related to brain science and brain-inspired research. Second, an initial business ecosystem has taken shape, featuring large enterprises deploying efforts in equipment and robotics, as well as emerging startups focusing on key areas such as flexible electrodes. Additionally, there is an abundance of clinical resources, with multiple Class A tertiary hospitals already conducting clinical explorations of brain-computer interfaces in areas like spinal cord injury, while mental health-related institutions are also advancing intervention research for psychiatric disorders.
Tao Hu also believes that Shanghai's current layout is accurate and practical, with the core being leveraging synergies and focusing on implementation rather than blindly chasing trends. Shanghai has natural advantages in research, clinical practice, and industry. The scientific research capabilities of institutions like the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Fudan University, and Shanghai Jiao Tong University are solid; top hospitals like Huashan Hospital excel in clinical resources; and relevant companies are deeply engaged in key technologies, as mentioned in the 15th Five-Year Plan."Agile Layout"The key lies in integrating these resources to form a synergy.
The key to the development of the brain-computer interface industry is not about speed, but precision. Shanghai should focus on the core process of "R&D - clinical - transformation," aligning lab technologies with clinical needs and avoiding redundant construction. More importantly, by leveraging brain-computer interfaces to integrate with AI, embodied intelligence, and integrated circuits—areas where Shanghai holds a competitive edge—it can build a "brain-computer interface+" ecosystem. Fundamentally, this aims to seize the initiative in setting standards and driving industrial implementation within this field where China and the U.S. are on par. The goal is to make Shanghai the core engine of the brain-computer interface industry, rather than remaining at the conceptual level.
Moreover, the relevant person in charge of NeuroXess also told Jiemian News that brain-computer interfaces highly depend on cross-disciplinary collaboration. They hope Shanghai will attract more leading talents to return through a special introduction plan and a series of policy measures.
Image Source: Interface Image Library
Interface News reporter |Li Kewen
Interface News Editor |Xie Xin
Brain-Computer InterfaceHas Become the Future of ShanghaiIndustryKey Development Directions。
Recently, Shanghai's "15th Five-Year Plan" explicitly focuses on advanced manufacturing as the backbone to build a "2+3+6+6" modern industrial system and create world-class high-end industrial clusters. Among the six emerging pillar industrial clusters, the future health sector mentioned strengthening the agile layout of brain-computer interfaces and accelerating their development into a competitive force.
During the 2026 Shanghai Two Sessions, Wu Jinsong, member of the Municipal Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) and Deputy Director of the Department of Neurosurgery at Huashan Hospital Affiliated to Fudan UniversityIt is suggested that the brain-computer interface technology is currently in a critical period of transitioning from laboratory to industrialization. Shanghai must seize the opportunity to accelerate the establishment of itself as a global leading city for brain-computer interface.
Jin Chunlin, director of the Shanghai Health Development Research Center, told Interface News that the "Future Health" positioning defines brain-computer interfaces asBeyond the scope of traditional medical devices, regarded as the frontier direction at the intersection of life sciences, artificial intelligence, and advanced manufacturing.。Clear Strategic Signals，Strong Policy Support in ShanghaiSeize the commanding heights of global technological competition.
He believes that,The focus of "agile layout" is to respond more flexibly and quickly to technological iterations and scenario expansions, accelerating technology transformation through mechanism innovation (such as fast-track approval channels), and seizing critical time windows.
The Communication Bridge Between the Real World and the Digital World
NeuroXess Founder and Chief Scientist Tao Hu Introduced to Interface News: Essentially, brain-computer interface is the core information channel for communication between the human brain and the outside world, which includes both the physical world and the digital world. Its main goal is to achieve deep integration between humans and the physical world, the digital world, as well as between human intelligence and artificial intelligence.
Brain-computer interfaces have multiple technical routes, which can be divided into invasive, semi-invasive, and non-invasive according to the most common implantation methods.
Non-invasive methods, due to their ease of operation and high safety, have been applied in consumer-grade and some medical scenarios. However, limited by the obstruction of the skull, the precision of signal acquisition is restricted, making it difficult to meet the high demands of critical patient rehabilitation in the short term. Although invasive and semi-invasive methods face technical and ethical challenges, they have become the core breakthrough direction in the field of medical rehabilitation.
Brain-computer interface is at a turning point from laboratory to industrialization. Application scenarios can be roughly divided into several aspects: medical treatment, human-computer interaction, education and entertainment, military, etc.
The integration of medical applications with human-computer interaction represents the broadest and most commercially promising direction for brain-computer interface research and implementation. Both invasive and non-invasive brain-computer interfaces can help patients restore certain functions to varying degrees.Clinical focus is primarily on the reconstruction of functions such as movement and speech, with the reconstruction of motor function progressing the fastest.
Invasive brain-computer interfaces are mainly aimed at scenarios with high-precision requirements, such as the reconstruction of motor functions in paralyzed patients and the restoration of vision in visually impaired patients. By stimulating areas such as the visual cortex of the brain, patients can gain perception of external information.
The basic path is to implant the device in the body, place electrodes in specific areas for signal acquisition, analysis, and stimulation, then convert neural activity into usable control signals, allowing patients to manipulate external devices with their thoughts, such as robotic arms or computer cursors. Applications can cover motor and visual function reconstruction and extend to explorations of intervention in epilepsy, depression, and other directions.
Non-invasive brain-computer interfaces, with the advantages of convenience and safety, are more commonly seen in rehabilitation training. For instance, in stroke rehabilitation scenarios, patients wear head-mounted devices to collect EEG signals, which drive external rehabilitation equipment to complete training, thereby assisting in the recovery of motor functions such as the upper limbs.
In policyPowerfulSupport, ShanghaiBrain-Computer Interface Innovation CompanyIn related fieldsHas enteredIn China and even globallyThe First Tier.
A relevant official from NeuroXess introduced to The Paper that, through high-throughput and low-damage signal acquisition, their team has helped subjects achieve precise mind control over cursors, wheelchairs, and robotic arms. This provides new possibilities for the restoration of motor and communication abilities in patients with paralysis, ALS, and other neurological diseases.
The person in charge claimed that their developed "ultra-flexible micro-nano electrode" is currently the smallest (only 1 micron thick) and most flexible neural electrode in the world. Its cellular-level size and excellent biocompatibility make the brain tissue almost "unaware" of the implant, avoiding immune scarring, which is the basis for long-term stable recording of neural signals.
Tao Hu also introduced that by the end of October 2025, his team will launch a clinical trial for a "fully implanted, fully wireless, fully functional" brain-computer interface to help patients gradually restore basic living abilities. After implantation, participants will be able to achieve brain-controlled internet access, operate intelligent wheelchairs, interact with smart home devices, and collaborate with humanoid robots to perform tasks, thereby reducing daily reliance on caregivers and alleviating the burden of care.At the same time, through the iterative upgrade of the "interface device," the boundaries of device compatibility are further broken. Subjects can not only achieve the aforementioned core brain-control functions through NeuroXess's self-developed brain-computer operating system, XessOS, but also complete interconnectivity and compatibility with most brands of tablets, gaming consoles, and other devices on the market, enabling cross-device brain-control operations. Subjects can independently choose compatible operational carriers based on their actual needs, allowing technology to empower more personalized usage scenarios.
It is reported that, on the occasion of the upcoming New Year, a subject controlled a Xiaomi tablet with their brain to purchase a New Year outfit for their mother on Taobao, who has been taking meticulous care of them over the years. They also ordered a Spring Festival bouquet for their mother via a food delivery platform and used brain control to draw the character "Fu" (meaning good fortune), which was printed and then pasted on the door by the mother to celebrate the New Year. This special gesture delivered through technology deeply moved the mother.
In Tao Hu's view, brain-computer interface has never been a mere display of technical prowess, but a heartwarming carrier that empowers patients to return to normal life and regain basic living abilities through the power of technology; the ultimate significance of technology is to enable every patient to regain a sense of control over life, celebrate the New Year with joy, and embrace boundless possibilities in life.
Brain-computer interfaces are also exploring applications in consumer scenarios such as education and entertainment. EEG monitoring products, mainly non-invasive devices, can be used to identify states like attention, stress, and sleep, helping users with learning management or sleep management. For example, some brain-computer interface sleep headphones focus on unobtrusive monitoring of brain activity during the sleep process and provide relaxation and sleep assistance through sound.
In the military field, the concept of brain-computer interfaces focuses on human-machine collaboration and device control, such as using brain signals to input commands and manipulate unmanned systems or external devices, enhancing operational efficiency and response speed in complex environments.
Shanghai Builds New Heights for Brain-Computer Interface Transformation
The potential of brain-computer interfaces goes far beyond medical rehabilitation.
Tao Hu stated that brain-computer interface is absolutely not a small branch of the biopharmaceutical field, nor is it merely medical equipment. It has been elevated by the state to one of the six key directions of the future industry in the 15th Five-Year Plan, reaching the level of national strategy. It is a hardcore technology in every sense, and an important lever linking various core technologies, with self-evident strategic significance. He believes that,Medical devices are just a necessary stage in the development of brain-computer interfaces. In the form of medical devices, their irreplaceability and technical superiority in the medical field can be most directly demonstrated, laying the foundation for broader applications in the future.
Looking towards a broader future, it is particularly crucial to build a complete industrial chain in advance. As a highly interdisciplinary future industry, brain-computer interfaces span multiple fields such as clinical, medical devices, electronics, communications, and software, posing higher demands on the transformation system.
Interface News reporters learned that the brain-computer interface industry chain is long and involves multiple stages. The upstream sector covers key components such as flexible electrode materials, low-power brain-electric chips, biocompatible packaging, miniature batteries, and wireless communication modules. The midstream includes system integration, neural encoding-decoding algorithms, and data training platforms. The downstream connects to medical device registration and medical insurance integration, rehabilitation service systems, as well as broader application scenarios like smart home, AI large models, and embodied intelligence.
Currently, in related sectors, Shanghai has established a certain foundational layout and is gradually forming unique advantages.
Jin Chunlin introduced to The Paper that Shanghai currently has three main advantages in the brain-computer interface field: First, there is an agglomeration of research and development institutions, with a relatively concentrated presence of universities, research institutes, and platforms related to brain science and brain-inspired research. Second, an enterprise ecosystem has initially taken shape, with large companies deploying efforts in equipment and robotics, while startups focusing on key areas such as flexible electrodes are emerging. Additionally, there is an abundance of clinical resources, with several top-tier hospitals already conducting clinical explorations in brain-computer interfaces for spinal cord injury and other fields, while mental health-related institutions are advancing intervention research in the direction of mental illness.
Tao Hu also believes that Shanghai's current layout is accurate and solid, with the core being leveraging synergies and focusing on implementation rather than blindly chasing trends. Shanghai has natural advantages in research, clinical practice, and industry. The scientific research capabilities of institutions like the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Fudan University, and Shanghai Jiao Tong University are robust; top hospitals such as Huashan Hospital excel in clinical resources; and related companies are deeply engaged in key technologies, as mentioned in the 15th Five-Year Plan."Agile Layout"The key lies in connecting these resources to form a synergy.
The key to the development of the brain-computer interface industry is not about speed, but precision. Shanghai should focus on the core process of "R&D - clinical - transformation," aligning laboratory technologies with clinical needs and avoiding redundant construction. More importantly, by leveraging brain-computer interfaces to connect with AI, embodied intelligence, and integrated circuits—areas where Shanghai holds a competitive edge—it aims to build a "brain-computer interface+" ecosystem. Fundamentally, this is about seizing the initiative in setting standards and achieving industrial implementation in a field where China and the U.S. are on par. The goal is to make Shanghai the core engine of the brain-computer interface industry, rather than keeping it at a conceptual level.
Moreover, relevant representatives from NeuroXess also told Interface News that brain-computer interfaces highly depend on cross-disciplinary collaboration. They hope Shanghai will attract more leading talents to return through a special introduction plan and a series of policy measures.
Interface News reporter |Li Kewen
Interface News Editor |Xie Xin
Brain-Computer InterfaceHas Become Shanghai's FutureIndustryKey Development Directions。
Recently, Shanghai's "15th Five-Year Plan" explicitly focuses on advanced manufacturing as the backbone to build a "2+3+6+6" modern industrial system, aiming to create a world-class high-end industrial cluster. Among the six emerging pillar industrial clusters, the future health sector mentions strengthening the agile layout of brain-computer interfaces and accelerating their development into a competitive force.
During the 2026 Shanghai Two Sessions, Wu Jinsong, member of the Municipal Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) and Deputy Director of the Department of Neurosurgery at Huashan Hospital Affiliated to Fudan UniversityIt is suggested that the brain-computer interface technology is currently in a critical period of transitioning from laboratory to industrialization. Shanghai must seize the opportunity to accelerate the development into a global leading city for brain-computer interface.
Jin Chunlin, director of the Shanghai Health Development Research Center, told Interface News that the "Future Health" positioning defines brain-computer interfaces asBeyond the scope of traditional medical devices, regarded as the frontier direction at the intersection of life sciences, artificial intelligence, and advanced manufacturing.。Clear Strategic Signals，Strong Policy Support in ShanghaiSeize the commanding heights of global technological competition.
He believes that,The focus of "agile layout" is to respond more flexibly and quickly to technological iterations and scenario expansions, accelerating technology transformation through mechanism innovation (such as fast-track approval channels), and seizing critical time windows.
The Communication Bridge Between the Real World and the Digital World
NeuroXess Founder and Chief Scientist Tao Hu Introduced to the Interface News Reporter: Essentially, Brain-Computer Interface is the Core Information Channel for Human Brain to Communicate with the Outside World, Which Includes Both the Physical World and the Digital World. Its Core Objective is to Achieve Deep Integration Between Humans and the Physical World, the Digital World, as well as between Human Intelligence and Artificial Intelligence.
Brain-computer interfaces have multiple technical routes, which can be divided into invasive, semi-invasive, and non-invasive according to the most common implantation methods.
Non-invasive methods, due to their ease of operation and high safety, have been applied in consumer-grade and some medical scenarios. However, limited by the barrier of the skull, the precision of signal acquisition is restricted, making it difficult to meet the high demands of rehabilitation for critically ill patients in the short term. Invasive and semi-invasive methods, despite facing technical and ethical challenges, have become the core breakthrough direction in the field of medical rehabilitation.
Brain-computer interface is at a turning point from laboratory to industrialization. Application scenarios can be roughly divided into several aspects such as medical treatment, human-computer interaction, education and entertainment, and military.
The integration of medical applications with human-computer interaction represents the broadest and most commercially promising direction for brain-computer interface research and implementation. Both invasive and non-invasive brain-computer interfaces can help patients restore certain functions to varying degrees.Clinical Focus: Reconstruction of Functions Such as Movement and Speech, with the Fastest Progress in Motor Function Reconstruction.
Invasive brain-computer interfaces are mainly aimed at scenarios with high-precision requirements, such as the reconstruction of motor functions in paralyzed patients and the restoration of vision in visually impaired patients. By stimulating areas such as the visual cortex of the brain, patients can perceive external information.
The basic path is to implant the device in the body, place electrodes in specific areas for signal acquisition, analysis, and stimulation, and then convert neural activity into usable control signals, allowing patients to manipulate external devices, such as robotic arms or computer cursors, through intention. Applications can cover motor and visual function reconstruction and extend to explorations of intervention in epilepsy, depression, and other directions.
Non-invasive brain-computer interfaces, with the advantages of convenience and safety, are more commonly seen in rehabilitation training. For instance, in stroke rehabilitation scenarios, patients wear head-mounted devices to collect EEG signals, which drive external rehabilitation equipment to complete training, thereby assisting in the recovery of motor functions such as the upper limbs.
In policyPowerfulSupport, ShanghaiNeuroXessIn related fieldsHas enteredIn China and even globallyThe First Tier.
A relevant responsible person from NeuroXess introduced to The Paper that, through high-throughput and low-damage signal acquisition, their team has helped subjects achieve precise mind control over cursors, wheelchairs, and robotic arms. This provides new possibilities for the reconstruction of motor and communication abilities in patients with neurological diseases such as paralysis and ALS.
The person in charge claimed that their developed "ultra-flexible micro-nano electrode" is currently the smallest (only 1 micron thick) and most flexible neural electrode in the world. Its cellular-level size and excellent biocompatibility make the brain tissue almost "unaware" of the implant, avoiding immune scarring, which is the basis for long-term stable recording of neural signals.
Tao Hu also introduced that by the end of October 2025, his team will launch a clinical trial for a "fully implanted, fully wireless, fully functional" brain-computer interface to help patients gradually restore basic living abilities. After implantation, participants will be able to control internet access with their minds, operate smart wheelchairs, interact with smart home devices, and collaborate with humanoid robots to perform tasks, thereby reducing daily reliance on family members and alleviating caregiving burdens.At the same time, through the iterative upgrade of the "interface device," the boundaries of device compatibility have been further broken. Subjects can not only realize the above-mentioned core brain-control functions via NeuroXess's self-developed brain-computer operating system, XessOS, but also complete interconnection and compatibility with most brands of tablets, gaming consoles, and other devices available on the market, achieving cross-device brain-control operations. Based on their individual needs, subjects can independently choose compatible operational platforms, allowing technology to better empower personalized usage scenarios.
It is reported that, on the occasion of the New Year, a subject controlled a Xiaomi tablet with their brain to purchase a New Year outfit for their mother on Taobao, who has been taking meticulous care of them over the years. They also ordered a New Year floral bouquet for their mother via a food delivery platform and used brain control to draw the character “福 (blessing),” which was printed and then pasted on the door by the mother to welcome the New Year. This special sentiment conveyed through technology deeply moved the mother.
In Tao Hu's view, brain-computer interface is never a mere display of technological prowess, but a heartwarming carrier that empowers patients to return to normal life and regain basic living abilities through the power of technology; the ultimate significance of technology is to enable every patient to regain a sense of control over their lives, celebrate the New Year well, and embrace boundless possibilities in life.
Brain-computer interfaces are also exploring applications in consumer scenarios such as education and entertainment. Electroencephalogram (EEG) monitoring products, mainly non-invasive devices, can be used to identify states like attention, stress, and sleep, helping users with learning management or sleep management. For example, some brain-computer interface sleep headphones focus on unobtrusive monitoring of brain activity during the sleep process and provide relaxation and sleep assistance through sound.
In the military field, the concept of brain-computer interfaces focuses on human-machine collaboration and device control, such as using brain signals to input commands and manipulate unmanned systems or external devices, enhancing operational efficiency and response speed in complex environments.
Shanghai Builds New Heights for Brain-Computer Interface Transformation
The potential of brain-computer interfaces goes far beyond medical rehabilitation.
Tao Hu stated that brain-computer interface is absolutely not a small branch within the biopharmaceutical field, nor is it merely medical equipment. It has been elevated to one of the six key directions of future industries in the Fifteenth Five-Year Plan at the national strategic level. It is a hardcore technology in the true sense and an important lever for linking various other core technologies, with self-evident strategic significance. He believes that,Medical devices are just a necessary stage in the development of brain-computer interfaces. In the form of medical devices, they can most directly demonstrate their irreplaceability and technical superiority in the medical field, laying the foundation for broader applications in the future.
Looking towards a broader future, it is particularly crucial to build a complete industrial chain in advance. As a highly interdisciplinary future industry, brain-computer interfaces span multiple fields such as clinical, medical devices, electronics, communications, and software, posing higher demands on the transformation system.
Interface News reporters learned that the brain-computer interface industry chain is long and involves many links. The upstream sector covers key components such as flexible electrode materials, low-power brain-electric chips, biocompatible packaging, micro-batteries, and wireless communication modules. The midstream includes system integration, neural coding and decoding algorithms, and data training platforms. The downstream connects to medical device registration and medical insurance integration, rehabilitation service systems, as well as broader application scenarios like smart homes, AI large models, and embodied intelligence.
Currently, in related sectors, Shanghai has established a certain foundational layout and is gradually forming unique advantages.
Jin Chunlin introduced to The Paper that, in the brain-computer interface field, Shanghai currently has three main advantages: First, the concentration of research institutions, with a relatively dense presence of universities, institutes, and platforms related to brain science and brain-inspired research; second, an initial formation of an enterprise ecosystem, featuring both large companies making investments in equipment and robotics as well as startups emerging in key areas like flexible electrodes; additionally, rich clinical resources are available, with multiple Class A tertiary hospitals already conducting clinical explorations of brain-computer interfaces in areas such as spinal cord injury, while mental health-related institutions are also advancing intervention research in the direction of mental illness.
Tao Hu also believes that Shanghai's current layout is accurate and practical, with the core being to leverage synergy and focus on implementation rather than blindly chasing trends. Shanghai has natural advantages in research, clinical practice, and industry. The scientific research capabilities of institutions like the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Fudan University, and Shanghai Jiao Tong University are robust; top hospitals such as Huashan Hospital excel in clinical resources; and relevant companies are deeply engaged in key technologies. These strengths align with the goals outlined in the 15th Five-Year Plan."Agile Layout"The key lies in connecting these resources to form a synergy.
The key to the development of the brain-computer interface industry is not about speed, but precision. Shanghai should focus on the core process of "R&D - clinical - transformation," aligning lab technologies with clinical needs and avoiding redundant construction. More importantly, by leveraging brain-computer interfaces to integrate AI, embodied intelligence, and integrated circuits—areas where Shanghai holds a competitive edge—it aims to build a "brain-computer interface+" ecosystem. Fundamentally, this is about seizing the initiative in standard-setting and industrial implementation within this field, where China and the U.S. are on par, making Shanghai the core engine of the brain-computer interface industry instead of merely staying at the conceptual level.
Moreover, relevant officials from NeuroXess also told Interface News that brain-computer interfaces highly depend on cross-disciplinary collaboration. They hope Shanghai will attract more leading talents to return through a special introduction plan and a series of policy measures.
