Imagine walking across campus and seeing a student controlling a robotic dog using only their thoughts. This futuristic scene became a reality on March 17 at East China University of Science and Technology (ECUST). Led by Professor Jin Jing, ECUST researchers unveiled an innovative brain-machine interface system enhanced by mixed reality technology, designed to control four-legged robots with precision.
The breakthrough centers on a simple-looking wireless headset that reads brain signals and translates them into commands for robotic devices. In a live demonstration, graduate researcher Liu Lifei successfully directed the robotic dog’s movements — walking, turning, and stopping — using only the neural headset.
The student applying a wireless headset to walk the robotic dog
The wireless headset carrying a brain-computer system
What makes this technology especially exciting for students is its accessibility and real-world potential. Unlike traditional brain-computer interfaces that require controlled lab environments, this system works reliably outdoors and under varying light conditions.
The brain-machine system and commands for robotic devices in different environments
Professor Jin emphasized that this is not just a lab experiment but practical technology students can use today. The team designed the system to be user-friendly, with comfortable, wearable components that could easily become part of everyday campus life. As development continues, users from different fields will have opportunities to explore the system’s potential through hands-on practice.
The student simultaneously controlling two devices via the brain-computer system
Expanded application scenarios and purposes of four-legged robots through innovation
ECUST plans to showcase this technology at upcoming innovation fairs and make it available for student research projects starting next semester. For those who have dreamed of controlling technology with their minds, that future is arriving sooner than expected — right here on ECUST campus.
