China Spearheads Global Standards For Brain Computer Interface Technology
China has taken a major step in spearheading the standardisation of brain-computer interface technologies by chairing a subcommittee jointly overseen by two key international organisations. The country also lists these technology applications as a national development priority.
The subcommittee, known as ISO/IEC JTC 1/SC 43, formulates global standards regarding communication and interaction between brains and computers. Former Department Head Yu Yuntao of the China Electronics Standardization Institute chairs the committee.
The committee has already published several standards, including the BCI vocabulary, data format for non-invasive brain information collection, reference architecture, and use cases. Brain-computer interface technology translates neural signals into commands for external computers, allowing humans to steer technology using thoughts.
Director of Geo-technology Xiaomeng Lu at Eurasia Group stated that the government is betting on this industry as one with the potential to become the next electric vehicle sector. Lu added that ISO is the de facto global industry standard with major commercial implications.
Brain-computer interface technology is one of six industries of the future under China's 15th five-year plan. The government recently released a circular on accelerating the industrialisation and commercialisation of BCI as a key frontier technology.
Analyst Altynay Junusova at the Berlin-based think tank MERICS stated that China needs access to overseas markets for its approved invasive and non-invasive brain devices. Junusova added that Chinese policymakers want to help the industry scale up ahead of the United States and Europe.
Lu noted that a group of Chinese companies are fast followers mirroring the research road map of Neuralink co-founder Elon Musk. Shanghai-based Neuracle Medical Technology previously completed the world's first commercial surgery using BCI.
Washington has not paid significant attention to the industry yet, concentrating instead on semiconductors and artificial intelligence models. A United States delegation also took part in drafting the international standards document.
China's BCI market was projected to be valued at USD 919.88 million by 2028. The market features a compound annual growth rate of 17.7% from 2024 to 2028, according to the China Centre for Information Industry Development.
* China chairs the secretariat of the ISO/IEC JTC 1/SC 43 subcommittee, which formulates global standards for brain-computer interface technology.
* The technology is designated as one of six industries of the future under China's 15th five-year plan.
* Junusova noted that Chinese policymakers aim to scale up the industry ahead of the United States and Europe.
* China's BCI market is projected to reach USD 919.88 million by 2028 with a compound annual growth rate of 17.7% from 2024 to 2028.
Source: SCMP
