Neurotechnology, implantable brain machine, chip inserted into brain. (Representative image)
Chinese scientists have developed the world’s first two-way adaptive brain-computer interface (BCI), significantly enhancing efficiency and paving the way for practical applications. According to the new study, the system boosts efficiency 100-fold compared to traditional BCIs.
Researchers from Tianjin University and Tsinghua University claim their innovation could soon be integrated into wearable and portable devices for medical and consumer use.
This system allows both the brain and machine to learn from each other, unlike conventional BCIs that only decode brain signals. This interaction ensures stable performance over time, a key step toward making BCIs more reliable in daily applications.
“Our work is the first to introduce the concept of brain-computer co-evolution and successfully demonstrate its feasibility, marking an initial step towards mutual adaptation between biological and machine intelligence,” said Xu Minpeng, a co-author of the study from Tianjin University.
First brain-computer interface to overcome one-way limitations
Since the 1970s, BCIs have allowed users to control machines with their thoughts by translating brain signals into commands. Initial research focused on helping people with disabilities, but today’s applications include gaming, hands-free drone control, and other interactive technologies.
Despite these advancements, traditional BCIs have a critical limitation: they function in only one direction. This means the brain does not receive feedback that could help it adjust and refine control. Over time, this lack of adaptation leads to declining performance.
“A major challenge in advancing BCI technology is achieving mutual learning between the brain and the machine,” Xu said.
The researchers discovered that changes in brain signals were not just random fluctuations caused by emotions or fatigue. Instead, these variations were influenced by how the brain interacts with a BCI.
Using this insight, they developed a dual-loop framework using a memristor chip—an energy-efficient hardware component that mimics neural networks—to create a more natural interaction between brain and machine.
The system consists of two key loops: a machine learning loop that continuously updates the decoder to adapt to the brain’s signal variations and a brain learning loop that helps the user refine control through real-time feedback.
BCI with higher efficiency and expanded capabilities
The study demonstrated that the dual-loop system increased efficiency by over 100 times and reduced energy consumption by 1,000 times compared to conventional BCIs.
“Compared to traditional digital BCIs, our dual-loop system increased efficiency by over 100 times while reducing energy consumption by 1,000 times,” Xu said.
This technological leap also allows users to perform more complex tasks. Traditional BCIs typically offer two degrees of freedom, such as moving a drone up and down or left and right. However, the new system enables four degrees of freedom, adding forward-backward motion and rotation—all controlled solely by brain signals.
Researchers conducted six-hour tests with 10 participants and found that the adaptive system improved accuracy by approximately 20 percent compared to non-adaptive BCIs. The study demonstrated long-term stability and a learning curve for users, reinforcing the system’s practical potential.
“Our research provided a strong theoretical foundation and technical support for the development of practical BCI systems and opened up new directions for the advancement of brain-machine integrated intelligence,” Xu added.
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China’s advancements in BCI technology
The US, Europe, and China have all contributed significantly to BCI advancements. Companies like Elon Musk’s Neuralink focus on invasive brain implants, whereas Chinese researchers have made major strides in developing non-invasive and adaptive BCIs.
This latest breakthrough underscores China’s commitment to making BCIs more efficient and user-friendly. By enabling a two-way interaction between brain and machine, the new system takes a significant step toward integrating BCIs into everyday life, from medical rehabilitation to consumer electronics.
The study was published in the journal Nature Electronics.
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Sujita Sinha A versatile writer, Sujita has worked with Mashable Middle East and News Daily 24. When she isn't writing, you can find her glued to the latest web series and movies.
