City scientist transforms lives with brain-computer interface technology
Print Edition
An information technology engineer surnamed Chen suffered a stroke in June last year, which left the 38-year-old unable to speak clearly, paralyzed on his right side, and with impaired cognitive abilities.
After multiple hospitals doused hopes of a full recovery, he started a new treatment with a high-tech firm based in Shanghai鈥檚 suburban Fengxian District.
It involved wearing an EEG (electroencephalogram) cap and a hand exoskeleton. Using brainwaves by algorithmic signal processing, Chen could control the exoskeleton, helping re-establish his brain鈥檚 damaged neural pathways.
Now, he can raise his hand, use chopsticks, walk and even type on a keyboard, returning to his job as a software engineer.
It might seem like a medical miracle, but it is becoming increasingly possible, thanks to brain-computer interface (BCI) technology.
The innovation comes from Dr Wang Wei, a biomedical engineering scientist who founded Arfysica Innovation in 2016. Her company focuses on developing BCI technology to treat central neurological disorders.
Wang, a PhD in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Southampton in Britain, was once a 鈥淕lobal Senior Key Expert鈥 at Germany鈥檚 Siemens HealthCare, working on large medical equipment.
鈥淚n the medical field, BCI technology has enormous potential,鈥 she said. 鈥淚t can help patients regain some motor abilities lost to illness or injury.鈥
Her journey began with a dream of contributing to China鈥檚 medical advancements. After years of studying and working abroad, she returned to China, believing that BCI technology could offer a breakthrough in medical treatments.
She established Arfysica Innovation in Fengxian at the end of 2015, attracted by the district鈥檚 supportive environment for health and medical industries.
Arfysica鈥檚 most advanced product is a non-invasive BCI platform. It uses brainwave-reading caps, which are embedded with either dry or wet electrodes that capture brain signals.
These signals are then processed by an artificial intelligence (AI) system, which translates them into commands for a mechanical device, such as a glove or exoskeleton. The system allows patients to practice movements and gradually regain control over their bodies.
The technology has been tested on over 1,000 patients, with significant improvements in nearly all cases.
Chen, the software engineer, regained his ability to work after 42 training sessions. His brain had formed new neural connections, bypassing the damaged areas.
鈥淥ur goal is to stimulate the brain to find new pathways. The brain has an incredible capacity to heal itself if given the right tools,鈥 Wang explained.
Another case success relates to a 65-year-old woman surnamed Wang, who suffered a stroke that left her unable to speak clearly or move her right side. After a month of BCI treatment at Arfysica, she regained the ability to perform basic self-care tasks.
鈥淪eeing her hold a spoon and feed herself was incredibly moving,鈥 Wang recalled. 鈥淚t鈥檚 these moments that remind us why we do what we do.鈥
Arfysica鈥檚 technology is not limited to stroke recovery. Wang is exploring applications for conditions like autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
For autistic children, Arfysica鈥檚 technology can create virtual environments where they can interact using brainwaves, which helps stabilize their emotions.
鈥淎utism is a complex condition, and traditional therapies don鈥檛 always work for every child,鈥 Wang noted.
鈥淲ith BCI technology, we can create customized virtual scenarios that help children practice social interactions and emotional regulation in a safe environment.鈥
The company is also looking into applications for depression and anxiety.
鈥淢ental health is another area where BCI technology can make a huge impact,鈥 Wang pointed out.
鈥淲e鈥檙e developing systems that can help patients manage their symptoms through brainwave training and feedback,鈥 she added.
Currently, Arfysica鈥檚 BCI technology is being used in top hospitals across the country, but Wang aims to bring it to community health centers to benefit more people.
鈥淢ost stroke patients prefer home care. Community hospitals would make treatment more accessible,鈥 she said.
The company has already started pilot programs in two community health centers in Fengxian, making it easier for patients to receive treatment close to home.
Wang is also focused on making the technology more affordable.
鈥淗ealthcare should not be a luxury,鈥 she insisted. 鈥淲e are working on reducing costs and improving accessibility so that more patients can benefit from our technology.鈥
As BCI technology continues to evolve, Wang sees even greater possibilities.
鈥淭his is a job filled with happiness. Seeing patients improve day by day, knowing that our products help, is very fulfilling,鈥 she said.
鈥淗elping one patient means saving a family. That鈥檚 what makes it all worthwhile.鈥
- About Us
- |
- Terms of Use
- |
-
RSS - |
- Privacy Policy
- |
- Contact Us
- |
- Shanghai Call Center: 962288
- |
- Tip-off hotline: 52920043
- 娌狪CP璇侊細娌狪CP澶05050403鍙-1
- |
- 浜掕仈缃戞柊闂讳俊鎭湇鍔¤鍙瘉锛31120180004
- |
- 缃戠粶瑙嗗惉璁稿彲璇侊細0909346
- |
- 骞挎挱鐢佃鑺傜洰鍒朵綔璁稿彲璇侊細娌瓧绗354鍙
- |
- 澧炲肩數淇′笟鍔＄粡钀ヨ鍙瘉锛氭勃B2-20120012
Copyright 漏 1999- Shanghai Daily. All rights reserved.Preferably viewed with Internet Explorer 8 or newer browsers.
