Breaking Boundaries: Chinese Researchers Enable Quadriplegic Patient to Control Robot Dog and Wheelchair via Brain Power

A research team from the Chinese Academy of Sciences has achieved a milestone in Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) technology. In a groundbreaking clinical trial, a quadriplegic patient successfully navigated a smart wheelchair and directed a robotic dog to retrieve food using only his thoughts. This achievement marks a shift from 2D screen interactions to full 3D engagement with the physical world.

From Neural Signals to Physical Action The patient, paralyzed since a spinal cord injury in 2022, received the wireless BCI system last June. Developed by the Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, the system decodes neural activity into complex physical commands. While previous global efforts focused on typing or moving cursors, the Chinese breakthrough focuses on practical, real-world independence through autonomous mobility and object retrieval.

Faster Than Human Reflexes The research introduced two critical technical advancements:

• Performance Boost: Integration of dual decoding strategies increased overall brain-control performance by over 15%.

• Ultra-Low Latency: System response time was slashed to under 100 milliseconds—faster than the average human physical reaction time—providing the patient with a seamless and natural sense of control.