China has made history by becoming the first nation to approve a commercially available brain chip to treat a disability. NEO, developed by Neuracle Medical Technology, translates the thoughts of a person with paralysis into movements of an assistive robotic hand.
Key Details:
- NEO: First approved commercial brain implant (coin-sized, 8 electrodes)
- Target patients: Ages 19-60 with paralysis from neck/spinal cord injuries
- Testing: 32 people tested without adverse side effects over 18 months
- Function: User imagines moving hand → chip sends signal → computer translates → robotic hand acts
- Capabilities: Pick up objects, manipulate utensils, move hygiene items
China's BCI Strategy:
Policy document outlines 17 steps to create a globally competitive brain-computer interface industry within 5 years:
- Mass production of non-invasive devices (forehead-mounted, head-mounted, ear-mounted)
- Testing in high-risk sectors: hazardous materials, nuclear energy, mining, electricity
- Government support for "disruptive technologies"
Context:
While the US and Europe move cautiously with clinical trials (Neuralink has faced side effects stalling approval), China is racing toward commercialization. "From the government's point of view, this policy means BCI technology has already moved from the concept level to the product level."
Source: WIRED