In a heartwarming display of technological prowess, a stroke patient at Tianjin University experienced a breakthrough in rehabilitation using a brain-computer interface (BCI) device. Equipped with a brain electrode cap and a innovative \"sixth finger\" device attached to her wrist, the patient successfully lifted a bottle for the first time since her stroke.
\"Try again, focus your attention, and see if you can lift the bottle,\" encouraged the neurological physician overseeing the session. With each attempt, the patient watched in amazement as the bottle slowly rose, her initial despair giving way to astonishment and tears of joy.
Wang Zhuang, a third-year doctoral student and member of the neural engineering team at Tianjin University, meticulously recorded the data as the patient used the device. This finger-worn innovation leverages non-invasive BCI technology to harness brainwaves, enabling stroke patients to mentally command an extra digit—opening new avenues for motor function rehabilitation.
The BCI device not only assists in everyday tasks but also aims to revitalize compromised central and peripheral nervous systems, facilitating the recovery of hand motor functions. \"Strokes pose a significant threat to public health, often leaving patients with varying levels of physical impairment,\" Wang explained. \"Our goal is to use technology to provide them with enhanced opportunities for a complete and fulfilling life.\"
China is rapidly advancing in the BCI field, supported by newly unveiled guidelines that promote technological innovation, industrial growth, and safety governance. According to the China Academy of Information and Communications Technology's report on BCI development (2023), the medical sector remains the primary application domain for this technology in China.
With approximately 200 medical BCI enterprises operating in the country, a quarter focus on implantable technologies, while the majority are dedicated to non-implantable solutions. Among these innovators, Mei Jie has made significant strides by engineering a drone controlled entirely by brain signals. \"We have achieved continuous brain control of a drone in four degrees of freedom,\" Mei stated. This advancement holds immense potential for applications like target identification, environmental surveillance, and anomaly monitoring.
Mei dedicated three months to testing the drone at an outdoor research facility, emphasizing that scientific research requires patience and persistence. \"Scientific research is like cultivating crops; the results mature over time,\" he noted.
As BCI technology continues to evolve, it promises to transform the landscape of medical rehabilitation and beyond, offering new hope and possibilities for individuals recovering from debilitating conditions like strokes.
Reference(s):
Brain-computer interface tech offers new hope for stroke patients
cgtn.com