Judith Vorbach (AK EUROPA) welcomed the guests, after which Peter Hilpold (AK Vienna) moderated the event. The presentations were given by sinologists Lia Musitz and Doris Vogl, who shared their perspectives on the evolution and uses of humanoid robotics and brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) in China. Aída Ponce Del Castillo (European Trade Union Institute, ETUI) then placed the topic within the EU context and examined it from the perspective of workers.

China's strategy for accelerated industrialisation

In her study, Lia Musitz analyses China’s policy measures to promote the development of forward-looking industries. She observes that China has rapidly caught up in the international technology race over the past 20 years and is currently a global leader in 66 out of 74 key technologies. This has been achieved through government planning that linked objectives with implementation measures and stakeholders. A prerequisite for state funding is that products are compatible across sectors and that industry standards are established. In addition, innovation centres promote the exchange of knowledge between research and industry even before companies find themselves in competition with one another. Pilot projects and infrastructure are being developed even before the product is launched. Overall, this helps to speed up the industrialisation process.

A clear example of this strategic approach is humanoid robotics, in which China has been the world’s leading mass producer since 2025. So far, humanoid robots have been used in pilot projects such as elderly care or traffic management; however, their practical benefits are still limited. It is worth noting that China was the first country to introduce regulations requiring manufacturers to design software in such a way that it does not become addictive.

Increased use of BCI in the workplace in China

In her study, Doris Vogl examines China’s role in the field of artificial intelligence, focusing in particular on the development of BCI technologies. In 2025, China set out to roll out smart devices and AI agents on a nationwide scale, accelerate the development of the BCI sector, and integrate it into industrial applications. The majority of BCIs currently available on the market are non-invasive; however, since March 2026, an invasive BCI for medical use has been available on the market as the first commercial product on the market. According to Vogl, in China’s industrial and energy sector, non-invasive BCIs are already being used in the workplace under the pretext of risk reduction. They are also to be implemented in the future within so-called white-collar jobs. The reasoning behind this is that BCIs can detect psychosocial risks such as stress, trauma and exhaustion, and can, for example, optimise surgeons’ ability to concentrate.

However, given EU regulations and national labour law, the introduction of BCI systems in the workplace within the EU is not expected in the near future. But employees could come under pressure to use BCI in future, for example if refusing to do so could result in disadvantages. Clear regulations are needed to address these challenges and to prevent cognitive manipulation via BCI devices, as well as data misuse. In this context, a debate is taking place regarding the establishment of rights for the ethical use of neurotechnology and the issue of protecting freedom of thought.

Ethical and legal concerns regarding the use of BCI

Aída Ponce Del Castillo noted that China does not merely treat BCI as a niche technology but is deliberately embedding it within a comprehensive and coordinated system. In doing so, it is linking future-oriented sectors such as AI and robotics, whilst Europe has so far pursued only individual strategic objectives. China’s strategy is, in part, opaque, and details regarding its objectives and content are not always clearly disclosed. There is no specific legislation for BCI in the EU. In Ponce Del Castillo’s view, this is not necessary either, as the AI Act, the GDPR, the human rights framework, labour rights and worker protection, as well as product safety regulations, provide protection. Most BCIs would fall under the AI Act, either as prohibited practices or as high-risk systems.

So far in Europe, BCIs have generally not been used in the workplace, as manipulating employees’ will is legally problematic and raises issues of consent. Meanwhile, the use of BCI in China’s mining, construction and transport sectors is justified on the grounds that it enables hazards in the workplace to be identified more quickly. In reality, however, the hazardous conditions in these sectors have long been known. The alleged voluntary nature of their use remains questionable given the lack of data protection laws, trade unions and weak labour legislation in these regions. This highlights the importance of clarifying fundamental ethical and legal issues to ensure the safe use of future technologies.

Further information

Lia Musitz & AK Wien Studie: Vision for Future Industries. The systematic approach of China
Doris Vogl & AK Wien Studie: China’s Position on Artificial Intelligence. Focusing on Human-AI-teaming in the Workplace
A&W-Blog: Chinas Vorreiterrolle bei Künstlicher Intelligenz (KI) am Arbeitsplatz (China’s leading role in Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the workplace (German only)
A&W-Blog: Europas KI-Strategie fehlt das Fundament (Europe’s AI strategy lacks a solid foundation)  (German only)
Council of the European Union Research Paper: From vision to reality: Promises and risks of Brain-Computer Interfaces
AK EUROA: Digital Fairness Act: Addressing addictive design on TikTok, Instagram and similar platforms
AK EUROPA: Digital Sovereignty of the EU. An Interview with digital transition expert Justin Nogarede
AK EUROPA: Artificial intelligence. Opportunities and risks for workers
AK EUROPA Position Paper: Digital Omnibus Package