TIANJIN, Jan. 21 (Xinhua) -- Researchers in north China's Tianjin University are developing multiple applications for brain-computer interface (BCI) technology.

BCI systems allow users to control drones and robots with their mind, without any movement or verbal instruction.

A thought-controlled drone can recognize 12 system instructions including taking off, landing, and hovering.

In a lab at Tianjin University, a researcher wearing a brain electrode cap transmits his thoughts to a robot.

In 2016, Tianjin University's BCI test system was installed in the Tiangong-2 space lab to undergo a series of experiments in space.

Astronauts could control robots for space exploration and technical maintenance using their mind through BCI.

BCI may also be used in the fields of medical treatment, education, and even gaming in the future.