In Depth: China’s Drive to Develop the Tech to Move Machines With Thoughts Alone

In 2023, a 55-year-old man surnamed Yang became the first person in China to undergo semi-invasive brain-computer interface (BCI) surgery, an emerging technology that allows him to control devices using his brain signals. Afterwards, Yang, who is paralyzed, was able to use his thoughts to direct a robotic arm that can grip and move items.