China’s First Brain Chips Approved for Sale, Aims for Industry Domination
▼ Summary
– China has become the first country to approve a commercial brain chip (NEO) for treating paralysis, translating thoughts into robotic hand movements.
– The implant, approved after 18 months of safety testing, is for patients aged 19-60 with paralysis from neck or spinal cord injuries.
– The coin-sized device uses electrodes on the brain’s movement area to send signals to a computer, enabling a prosthesis to perform basic tasks like grasping objects.
– This approval follows a Chinese government strategy to lead the global brain-computer interface industry within five years, promoting mass production of various devices.
– While other companies develop similar implants, none have received marketing authorization as a treatment, with some facing side effects that delay approval.
China has achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first country to grant approval for a commercial brain implant designed to restore function for individuals with paralysis. The device, named NEO and developed by Neuracle Medical Technology, functions as a brain-computer interface, decoding a user’s neural signals to control an external robotic hand. Following an extensive 18-month safety evaluation, regulatory clearance was provided for patients between 19 and 60 years old who have lost limb mobility due to spinal cord or neck injuries.
The implant itself is roughly the size of a coin and is positioned within the skull. It features eight electrodes that make contact with the region of the brain responsible for movement. When a person thinks about moving their hand, the chip captures that intention and transmits it to a computer system. This system then translates the signal into precise commands for a prosthetic device. In practical use, NEO enables control of a mechanical glove, allowing users to perform essential daily activities such as grasping objects, using utensils, or handling personal care items. Reports indicate that thirty-two individuals have participated in trials of the technology without experiencing serious negative effects.
This commercial authorization arrives as numerous firms worldwide race to develop similar neurotechnology. While other projects, including high-profile ventures like Neuralink, continue to navigate clinical testing and regulatory hurdles, China’s move represents a pivotal first step in bringing an invasive brain-computer interface to the consumer healthcare market.
The approval aligns with a broader national strategy to establish leadership in this emerging field. Earlier this year, Chinese officials released a policy blueprint aiming to build a globally competitive brain-computer interface industry within five years. The document outlines numerous steps to accelerate research, development, and real-world application of these technologies. The government’s supportive policy framework signals a strategic push to transition BCI innovations from laboratory concepts to mass-produced products.
Industry experts note that government backing is crucial for disruptive technologies. The national plan encourages the production of various non-invasive devices, such as headbands, visors, and specialized glasses, for use in sectors like hazardous material handling, energy, and mining. For now, however, the primary focus for implanted systems remains medical, aiming to restore independence and communication abilities for people with disabilities. The commercial launch of NEO marks a new chapter, moving the industry from experimental research toward tangible, regulated therapeutic solutions.
(Source: Wired)
