A Chinese-developed brain-computer interface has reached a clinical milestone, moving beyond simple machine assistance to help paralyzed patients achieve partial self-recovery.

Researchers at the Chinese Institute for Brain Research in Beijing have reported that their Beinao No 1 NeuCyber Matrix system has demonstrated stable, long term results in human trials, offering a high-tech lifeline to millions suffering from spinal cord injuries, ALS and strokes.

The potential of the system is best illustrated by the case of 31-year-old Xiao Rui. Left quadriplegic after a spinal injury two years ago, Xiao made headlines just five days after his surgery by mentally commanding a robotic arm to pour water.

One year later, he can control his own hand to eat independently, such as picking up a strawberry and putting it in his mouth, an advance that researchers describe as a milestone shift from machine-assisted action to partial self-recovery.

"From this first patient, we have seen that Beinao No 1 will bring groundbreaking progress that can benefit such patients, as well as those with other indications in the future, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and stroke patients," said Yi Zhiqiang, director of the department of neurosurgery at Peking University First Hospital.

To date, the wireless device, independently developed in China, has been used in seven human implantation surgeries. This year more than 30 clinical trials will be conducted at more than a dozen medical institutions across the country, Yi said.

Luo Minmin, director of the institute, told China Daily his team is delighted that the functioning of both the device and the system has been very stable.

"It's proven to be effective, removing the scientists' anxiety, and the trial is expected to be completed next year," Luo said. "The patients can use the device to control the movements of a cursor, for example, on a computer screen. They can also control an exoskeleton device, so some of our patients can start walking."

He said that brain-computer interface technology is expected to benefit millions of stroke patients around the world by providing "more safe and useful products".

Late last year, science journal Nature published a thesis by researchers at the institute that for the first time revealed the common mechanism behind two fast-acting and potent antidepressant therapies, paving the way for developing the next generation of safe and effective treatments.

Beinao No 1 involves membrane electrodes that cover the brain's surface to record electrocorticography signals. The electrodes, composed of lipids, remain above the brain and do not penetrate it. However, accessing the signals requires opening the skull to achieve direct contact with the brain's surface.

The device captures signals from points on the brain and wirelessly processes and decodes them. This enables the interpretation of the patient's intended movements.

The latest generation of the technology, Beinao No 2, is on display at the Zhongguancun Forum, a top-level national science and technology showcase held annually in Beijing.