Huawei has made headlines once again with its latest patent. The Chinese National Intellectual Property Administration recently published a patent titled “Method for Controlling Stimulators, Stimulators, Brain-Machine Interface Systems, and Chips,” credited to Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd. Sources indicate that this patent marks a significant step forward in the practical applications of brain-machine interfaces (BMIs), showcasing a higher level of technological maturity.

According to reports from Financial Alliance, brain-machine interfaces are an emerging technology that establishes communication directly between the brain and external devices. This interface enables the brain’s signals to control equipment such as computers, prosthetics, or wheelchairs without the need for muscle movement. The potential applications of this technology are vast, especially in the medical field, where it can assist, augment, and rehabilitate sensory and motor functions in the human body. It holds promise for aiding individuals with disabilities and contributes to medical research. Additionally, it may play a role in the treatment of neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and depression.

This patent represents Huawei’s second venture into the realm of BMIs. Earlier this year, in June 2023, the company announced another patent titled “Brain-Machine Interface Device and Method for Acquiring Information.”

Wang Jiangping, Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, recently stated that the government plans to implement guidelines for fostering innovation in future industries, focusing on new sectors such as humanoid robots, brain-machine interfaces, and 6G technologies. In July, the ministry also proposed the establishment of a committee for standardizing brain-machine interface technologies, which will work on drafting and revising technical standards and testing protocols for applications in fields like healthcare.