Inside China’s secretive plan to merge human and machine with AI

Inside China’s secretive plan to merge human and machine with AI (Image: AI image)

China is moving toward a literal fusion of humans and machines, aiming to leapfrog its position in the global AI race, according to government strategy documents and expert reports cited by The Washington Times.

Brain-computer interface (BCI) research lies at the core of this effort, involving the direct connection of human brainwaves to computers. Imagine typing an email instantly without using a keyboard. However, China's ambitions extend far beyond these basic applications.

Chinese scientists are advancing BCI technology across the full spectrum invasive, semi-invasive, and non-invasive, according to insights from Georgetown University’s Center for Security and Emerging Technology.

China's plan

China's mission is to enhance human brain's abilities and link it  directly to advanced computational systems, creating seamless human-machine collaboration, according to The Washington Times.

This goes beyond machines simply mimicking humans; researchers are pursuing a literal fusion where the brain and circuitry function as one, blurring the line between human and machine.

China’s alternative AI strategy

The US is developing language models similar to OpenAI and Meta, while China is taking a different path. Facing Western chip restrictions, Chinese researchers are focusing on brain-inspired systems that don't depend on brute-force computing.

"The future isn't about AI replacing humans; it's about AI becoming part of us, both physically and cognitively," said Professor Dong Ming of Tianjin University in state media.

Bijan and Saied Tadayon of Z Advanced Computing developed a brain-inspired algorithm for image recognition in 2018 that gained significant attention in the AI community, drawing Beijing’s interest, the report cited.

Chinese officials offered the Tadayon brothers $30 million for a 20 percent stake in their company. Their brain-inspired algorithm, known as cognitive-explainable AI, focuses on concept learning by mimicking how the human brain processes and categorizes information, differing from traditional large-scale statistical models that require vast amounts of data and powerful GPU servers.

This approach is more energy-efficient, learns from fewer data samples, and avoids the need for GPU hardware - an important advantage amid tightening Western export restrictions on advanced computing components. Additionally, China invited the Tadayon brothers to showcase their technology at the InnoStars competition in Houston, highlighting the country's keen interest in alternative AI methods.