China has crossed a significant milestone in brain-computer interface (BCI) technology, which enables control of external devices using brain signals. In the first clinical trial, a wireless brain implant implanted in a paralyzed patient worked successfully, making China the first country outside the United States to achieve this level of clinical success.

China has also joined the brain implant race

In March, the world’s smallest brain implant was implanted in a patient who was paralyzed in all four limbs due to spinal cord paralysis. The device, which is 26 millimeters in diameter and less than 6 millimeters thick, is said to be 100 times more flexible than the implant of Neuralink, of which Elon Musk is one of the co-founders.

Just a few weeks after the surgery, the patient was able to play racing games and chess games on the computer using only mental commands. The technology is part of BCI research aimed at restoring functions in people who have lost mobility.

The team conducting the trial aims to next enable the patient to control a robotic arm using only the power of thought, enabling them to perform complex physical tasks such as holding a cup. The clinical study is being conducted in collaboration with Huashan Hospital of Fudan University.

It is known that various startups have been experimenting with brain implant technologies in China in recent months. However, this clinical success has shown that the country is at the forefront of this advanced neurotechnology field, along with the US.

While US-based Neuralink, which is currently leading the field, continues its research on computer-controlled movement systems via implants, China’s first successful trial shows that the race between the two countries is seriously heating up.