The world's first brain-computer codec chip was unveiled on May 17, 2019, during the 3rd World Intelligence Congress held in Tianjin.

The chip, called Brain Talker, is a joint effort of Tianjin University and China Electronics Corporation with fully independent intellectual property rights.

It is specially designed to improve Brain-Computer Interface technology, which aims at decoding a user's intent solely through neural electrical signals, without the use of his or her natural neuromuscular pathways.

"This chip has the ability to identify minor neural electrical signals and decode the information efficiently, which can greatly enhance the speed and accuracy of brain-computer interfaces," said Ming Dong, dean of the Academy of Medical Engineering and Translational Medicine at Tianjin University.

Compared with traditional decoding devices, such chips now have smaller sizes, more precision in decoding, higher efficiency in computing and better communication abilities, thanks to developments in integrated circuits and computational neuroscience.

 "Brain-Computer Interfaces hold a promising future. The Brain Talker chip promotes BCI technology to become more portable, wearable and accessible to the general public," said Ming. 

Cheng Longlong, a data scientist from China Electronics Corporation, said "As we continue to endeavor to enhance the performance of the Brain Talker, one day such chips will contribute more to medical treatment, education, self-regulation and  security as well as games and entertainment.”

Brain Talker, the world's first brain-computer codec chip, is unveiled in Tianjin on May 17, 2019. [Photo/exploringtianjin.com]