A brain-computer interface (BCI) is a human-machine interaction system that allows people to control devices using their thoughts. With wide-ranging applications, it has become a key global industry of the future. Its revolutionary value in rehabilitation medicine has led many hospitals to adopt the technology.

Based in Xi'an High-tech Zone, Xi'an ZhenTec Intelligence Technology Co., Ltd. (ZhenTec) specializes in brain-controlled rehabilitation robots and BCI systems, serving as a core BCI technology supplier for over 300 hospitals, including Wuhan Union Hospital.

"To date, our technologies and devices have served hundreds of thousands of patients, offering innovative solutions for neurological conditions like stroke, spinal cord injury, and Alzheimer's," said Wang Haochong, founder and CEO of ZhenTec.

Wang started his business while pursuing his master's degree at the Institute of Medical-Engineering Interdisciplinary Research, Xi'an Jiaotong University, under the supervision of Professor Xu Guanghua, an expert in China's first AI medical device standards panel and chief expert of the National 863 Program. During his studies, Wang participated in the research and development project "Brain-Computer Interface Enabled Intelligent Rehabilitation Robot" under the National 863 Program. The team developed a preliminary prototype, whose principle was verified in the Rehabilitation Department of Xijing Hospital.

Founded in 2018 with university incubation support, ZhenTec has built a portfolio of core products, including wireless EEG (electroencephalogram) acquisition system, BCI lower-limb and hand-function rehabilitation robot, as well as speech and cognitive rehabilitation platform.

In January this year, the independently developed speech and cognitive function rehabilitation training and evaluation product of ZhenTec successfully obtained the National Class II Medical Device Registration Certificate, further consolidating its leading position in innovative rehabilitation medical technologies.

With a lightweight EEG headband, patients can control a bionic hand through imagined grasping motions. The system captures brainwaves, processes them in real time, and translates neural signals into on-screen movements to guide finger motion.

The latest speech and cognitive rehabilitation system assists patients with speech, memory and cognitive impairments from stroke or brain injuries. By focusing their thoughts, users complete interactive games and daily simulated tasks such as brain-controlled butterfly catching and virtual frying.

"Stroke-related disability typically stands at 70–80%," Wang noted. "Unlike acupuncture and standard physiotherapy, BCI technology restores damaged neural pathways. Our devices cut treatment time by nearly one-third, and we aim to lower stroke disability to below 50%."

Currently, ZhenTec's solutions are mainly deployed in major hospitals. Wang says the company is actively expanding into community and home‑based rehabilitation. As technology matures and costs fall, its products will reach more households, bringing the benefits of tech innovation to more patients.