BrainCo’s brain-computer interface wows at HSBC summit with mind-controlled hand

Non-invasive brain-computer interfaces (BCI) that read neural signals through the skin could help patients manage symptoms for some brain conditions, according to BrainCo, a Harvard-incubated start-up.

The 11-year-old firm had developed algorithms to analyse and understand those signals, she said.

“For severe brain issues like Parkinson’s disease, or for blind people who want to recover sight, you may have to go through surgery,” He said. “But there are also many other applications where you don’t need surgery, like what we do.”

BrainCo conducted a small demonstration at the summit. A man wearing a bionic hand appeared on stage to show how the company’s device reacts to neural signals by moving his index finger and other digits using only his thoughts. BrainCo claimed that it was the first prosthetic hand in the world that could control each finger individually.

He then used the same prosthesis to play a short piece on a digital piano, showing how the device could handle more complex actions, drawing warm applause from the audience.