BrainCo Unveils Mind-Controlled Robots at WAIC
China’s BrainCo Showcases Revolutionary BCI Technology
At Shanghai’s World AI Conference (WAIC), Chinese brain-computer interface (BCI) firm BrainCo demonstrated a groundbreaking brain-to-robot platform. This technology allows individuals to control robots using only their thoughts, achieved through an EEG headset.
July 17, 2026 – 12:09 pm
Imagine donning a lightweight headset and simply thinking about picking up a cup, only for a robot arm to oblige. That’s the experience BrainCo showcased at WAIC, as reported by the South China Morning Post. They claim their Brain-Controlled Robot AI Platform is the world’s first integrated brain-to-robot system.
How It Works
BrainCo explains its platform operates in three stages:
- EEG Headset Data: An EEG headset captures brain signals.
- AI Decoding: Artificial intelligence decodes these signals into control intents, such as "grab that."
- Robot Commands: The system translates the intent into corresponding robot commands, all within 200 milliseconds.
During the demo, a mind-controlled robotic arm successfully grasped a cup and picked up an apple. BrainCo highlights the platform’s versatility, stating it can be integrated with off-the-shelf robots ranging from humanoids to robotic arms and four-legged "dogs."
Overcoming Data Challenges
BrainCo also unveiled an Embodied AI Data Collection Solution, addressing a significant challenge in embodied AI: data scarcity. This tool utilizes a wheeled, dual-arm rig with a precision glove to capture human demonstrations while recording the operator’s EEG. The goal is to provide a more consistent supply of real-world training data for robotic tasks like folding laundry or handling delicate objects.
A Decade of Brain Reading
Founded in 2015, BrainCo initially focused on BCI technology for medical rehabilitation, developing prosthetic hands and legs that read nerve and muscle signals. This marks their expansion into robotics with this new brain-controlled platform.
"A decade of BCI research has enabled us to decode what a person intends to do and translate that into machine action," stated Nyx He, a partner and senior vice president at BrainCo. The launch coincides with a global surge in interest in both brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) and embodied AI, with China leading the charge.