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Back to articles • 6/5/2026, 1:31:59 PM

BrainCo and Hangzhou's 'Six Little Dragons' drive Zhejiang's AI ambitions

Smart bionic hand shows Hangzhou’s AI push

BrainCo in Hangzhou shows a wearable bionic hand that reads signals and moves fingers naturally. The company is part of the city’s fast-growing tech group, supporting Zhejiang’s plan to become a leading AI center.

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In Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, the company BrainCo shows new high-tech products in its exhibition hall. Some products look like they come from science fiction. One of the most exciting items is a smart bionic hand that uses a brain-computer interface and artificial intelligence.

The hand does not need surgery. Users simply wear it. The device can read nerve and muscle signals in real time. This lets all five fingers move on their own with natural, flexible motion.

Nyx He, a senior vice-president at BrainCo, says brain-computer interfaces can improve people’s lives. People who lost the use of their hands or legs may regain some functions with this technology. She also thinks the technology could help healthy people do new tasks.

BrainCo is one of Hangzhou’s “Six Little Dragons”, a group of fast-growing tech companies. Their success helps make the city an innovation center. Across Zhejiang, the government wants to become a leader in AI by using AI in industry and by combining models, data, and computing power, said Zhan Min, a provincial official.

Vocabulary

bionic 仿生的

made to work like a natural body part using machines or electronics

Example: The bionic hand helps users move their fingers naturally.

Collocation: bionic hand

brain-computer interface 脑机接口

technology that connects the brain with a computer to send or receive signals

Example: The device uses a brain-computer interface to read signals.

Collocation: BCI technology

prosthetic 假肢的；假肢

an artificial body part that replaces a missing one

Example: Unlike some prosthetic devices, this hand does not need surgery.

Collocation: prosthetic device

signal 信号

a message or sign sent from one part of the body or a machine to another

Example: The hand reads neural and muscular signals in real time.

Collocation: neural signal

real time 实时

happening at the same moment as events occur

Example: The system reacts in real time to the user’s movements.

Collocation: in real time

dexterity 灵巧；灵活

the ability to move your hands or fingers skillfully

Example: The fingers move with natural dexterity.

Collocation: natural dexterity

innovation 创新

new ideas, products, or ways of doing things

Example: Hangzhou is known for strong innovation in technology.

Collocation: drive innovation

computing power 计算能力

the ability of a computer system to process data

Example: Zhejiang plans to build more computing power for AI.

Collocation: build computing power

Questions

1. What special product does BrainCo show in its hall?

A. A bionic hand that uses BCI and AI

B. A robot dog for home cleaning

C. A virtual reality game console

D. A surgical implant for the brain

Show Answer

Answer: A

The article highlights a smart bionic hand that combines brain-computer interface technology with AI.

2. Does the bionic hand require surgery?

A. Yes, it needs a brain operation

B. Yes, it needs a hand operation

C. No, users just wear it

D. Only for some users

Show Answer

Answer: C

The hand is wearable and does not require surgery.

3. What signals can the device read?

A. Blood pressure and temperature

B. Neural and muscular signals

C. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth signals

D. GPS signals

Show Answer

Answer: B

It detects neural and muscular signals in real time.

4. What does Nyx He say BCIs can do for people who lost movement?

A. Replace their limbs completely

B. Regain certain functions

C. Cure all disabilities

D. Help only with walking

Show Answer

Answer: B

She says BCIs may help people regain certain functions.

5. What is Zhejiang’s larger goal with AI?

A. To focus only on gaming

B. To stop using data in factories

C. To become a leading AI center by using AI in industries and building models, data, and computing power

D. To replace all workers with robots immediately

Show Answer

Answer: C

Zhejiang aims to lead in AI by integrating it into industrial clusters and strengthening models, data, and computing power.

BrainCo and Hangzhou’s ‘Six Little Dragons’ fuel Zhejiang’s AI ambitions

BrainCo showcases a wearable BCI-powered bionic hand with natural finger control. As one of Hangzhou’s “Six Little Dragons,” it represents Zhejiang’s wider strategy to integrate AI into industry and build a leading innovation center.

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At BrainCo’s exhibition hall in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, visitors see technologies that look almost science-fictional. A key highlight is an intelligent bionic hand that brings together brain-computer interface (BCI) technology and artificial intelligence algorithms.

Unlike some advanced prosthetics, the device is non-surgical and wearable. It reads neural and muscular signals in real time, allowing all five fingers to move independently with natural dexterity, the company says.

Nyx He, a senior vice-president at BrainCo, believes BCIs can improve quality of life. People who have lost the use of their hands or legs may regain certain functions. She adds that the technology could also enhance the abilities of able-bodied users to perform tasks that were once out of reach.

BrainCo’s progress mirrors a local trend. It is part of Hangzhou’s “Six Little Dragons,” a group of fast-rising tech firms that have helped turn the city into an innovation hub. Their rise reflects a broader push across Zhejiang, where technological innovation is reshaping industries and supporting economic growth.

According to Zhan Min, director of the Zhejiang Provincial Department of Economy and Information Technology, the province aims to build a leading center for AI innovation. The strategy includes embedding AI into industrial clusters and promoting the integrated development of AI models, data, and computing power while strengthening the industry’s foundations.

Vocabulary

neurotechnology 神经技术

technology that interacts with or studies the nervous system

Example: BrainCo develops neurotechnology to connect human signals with devices.

Collocation: neurotechnology company

algorithm 算法

a set of rules a computer follows to solve a problem

Example: AI algorithms help the device interpret signals accurately.

Collocation: AI algorithm

neural 神经的

related to nerves or the nervous system

Example: The system reads neural signals from the user’s arm.

Collocation: neural signals

dexterity 灵巧度；灵活性

skill and ease in using the hands

Example: Users can regain dexterity in finger movements.

Collocation: natural dexterity

enhance 增强；提高

to improve the quality, amount, or strength of something

Example: BCIs may enhance the abilities of healthy users.

Collocation: enhance capabilities

innovation hub 创新中心

a place known for frequent and impactful new ideas and products

Example: Hangzhou has become an innovation hub for tech firms.

Collocation: become an innovation hub

industrial cluster 产业集群

a group of related industries in the same area that benefit from being close together

Example: Zhejiang plans to add AI to its industrial clusters.

Collocation: develop industrial clusters

integrate 整合；融合

to combine parts to work together effectively

Example: The province aims to integrate models, data, and computing power.

Collocation: integrate data and models

Questions

1. What makes BrainCo’s bionic hand notable?

A. It is controlled only by voice commands

B. It combines BCI technology with AI algorithms

C. It requires complex surgery to install

D. It works only with a smartphone app

Show Answer

Answer: B

The hand integrates brain-computer interface technology and AI algorithms.

2. How does the device control finger movement?

A. By tracking eye movements

B. By using GPS signals

C. By detecting neural and muscular signals in real time

D. By reading the user’s thoughts through implants

Show Answer

Answer: C

It detects neural and muscular signals without surgical implants.

3. According to Nyx He, what can BCIs do for able-bodied users?

A. Replace natural limbs entirely

B. Help them perform tasks previously impossible

C. Eliminate the need for training

D. Reduce economic costs immediately

Show Answer

Answer: B

She believes BCIs could enhance the capabilities of able-bodied individuals.

4. What does the term “Six Little Dragons” refer to in the article?

A. Six government departments

B. Six AI models developed in Zhejiang

C. A group of fast-rising tech firms in Hangzhou

D. Six university research labs

Show Answer

Answer: C

The phrase refers to fast-growing technology companies in Hangzhou.

5. What is one key part of Zhejiang’s AI strategy, according to Zhan Min?

A. Focusing only on consumer apps

B. Promoting integrated development of models, data, and computing power

C. Reducing investment in industrial clusters

D. Halting economic restructuring

Show Answer

Answer: B

Zhejiang intends to integrate AI models, data, and computing power and strengthen the industry’s foundations.

BrainCo and Hangzhou’s ‘Six Little Dragons’ propel Zhejiang’s AI strategy

BrainCo’s wearable BCI-enabled bionic hand exemplifies Hangzhou’s tech momentum and Zhejiang’s broader AI strategy. The province seeks leadership by integrating AI into industrial clusters and uniting models, data, and compute.

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In Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, BrainCo’s exhibition hall showcases devices that seem lifted from science fiction. The centerpiece is an intelligent bionic hand that fuses brain-computer interface (BCI) technology with advanced AI algorithms.

Unlike surgical implants, the prosthetic is worn externally. By reading neural and muscular signals in real time, it enables independent control of all five fingers with striking dexterity, according to the company.

Nyx He, BrainCo’s senior vice-president, argues that BCIs can meaningfully improve lives. For people who have lost the use of their hands or legs, the technology may help them regain certain functions. She adds that BCIs could also augment the capabilities of able-bodied users, enabling tasks that were previously out of reach.

BrainCo’s trajectory reflects a wider local pattern. The firm belongs to Hangzhou’s “Six Little Dragons,” a cohort of rapidly rising technology companies that have helped position the city as a closely watched innovation hub. Their momentum aligns with a provincial shift in which technological innovation is driving industrial transformation and economic growth.

Zhejiang aims to establish itself as a leading center for AI innovation by embedding AI across industrial clusters and promoting the integrated development of AI models, data, and computing power, while reinforcing the industry’s foundations, according to Zhan Min, director of the Zhejiang Provincial Department of Economy and Information Technology, who briefed domestic and international reporters.

Vocabulary

prosthetic 假肢；假体

an artificial device that replaces a missing body part

Example: The prosthetic hand is worn externally rather than implanted.

Collocation: prosthetic hand

brain-computer interface 脑机接口

a system that enables direct communication between the brain and an external device

Example: A brain-computer interface translates user intent into device control.

Collocation: BCI technology

algorithm 算法

a precise computational procedure for solving a problem

Example: Advanced algorithms interpret complex bio-signals reliably.

Collocation: AI algorithm

dexterity 灵巧；灵敏度

skillful, precise control, especially of the hands and fingers

Example: The device restores dexterity for fine finger movements.

Collocation: manual dexterity

augment 增强；扩增

to increase or improve something by adding to it

Example: BCIs may augment the performance of able-bodied users.

Collocation: augment capabilities

able-bodied 健全的；体格健全的

physically healthy and not disabled

Example: The technology could also benefit able-bodied workers in demanding tasks.

Collocation: able-bodied individuals

industrial transformation 产业转型

significant changes in how industries operate and create value

Example: AI is accelerating industrial transformation across Zhejiang.

Collocation: drive industrial transformation

computing power 计算能力；算力

the capacity of computer systems to process data and run models

Example: The plan emphasizes building computing power alongside data and models.

Collocation: scale computing power

Questions

1. What core technologies power BrainCo’s featured hand?

A. Voice recognition and GPS

B. Brain-computer interfaces and AI algorithms

C. Optical sensors and 3D printing only

D. Surgical implants and nanobots

Show Answer

Answer: B

The hand combines BCI technology with advanced AI algorithms.

2. How is the device used by wearers?

A. It must be surgically implanted

B. It is worn externally and reads signals in real time

C. It is controlled through a joystick

D. It requires daily calibration at a clinic

Show Answer

Answer: B

The article states it requires no surgery and detects neural and muscular signals in real time.

3. Beyond rehabilitation, what potential does Nyx He see for BCIs?

A. Replacing all manual labor

B. Augmenting able-bodied users to do previously impossible tasks

C. Eliminating the need for training

D. Reducing computing power needs

Show Answer

Answer: B

She notes BCIs could enhance able-bodied individuals’ capabilities for new tasks.

4. What does the term “Six Little Dragons” signify in this context?

A. Six AI policies in Zhejiang

B. Six research labs in Hangzhou

C. A cohort of fast-rising tech firms in Hangzhou

D. Six export zones in the province

Show Answer

Answer: C

It refers to a group of rapidly growing technology companies based in Hangzhou.

5. Which elements are Zhejiang integrating to build an AI leadership position, according to Zhan Min?

A. Tourism, agriculture, and sports

B. Marketing, sales, and logistics

C. AI models, data, and computing power within industrial clusters

D. Only university research, without industry links

Show Answer

Answer: C

The province is embedding AI in industrial clusters and integrating models, data, and computing power while reinforcing industry foundations.