Before Neuralink, China Approves First Commercial Brain Chip

China has taken a significant leap in neurotechnology, approving its first commercially available brain implant. Developed by medical technology firm Neuracle Technology in collaboration with researchers from Tsinghua University, the device, named NEO, offers a new horizon for individuals suffering from severe paralysis.

One notable case involves Dong Hui, a 39-year-old man who regained the ability to write his name six years after an accident left him paralyzed from the neck down. Following surgery to implant the NEO device and eleven months of rehabilitation, Dong Hui was able to communicate his gratitude by writing "Thank you." This story, highlighted by MIT Technology Review, showcases the profound impact of the technology on restoring basic human functions.

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The problem is that the order never reaches its destination. It's as if a person sends letters every day, but the bridge connecting to the other side has collapsed. The messages exist, but they cannot cross.

The NEO implant works by registering the electrical activity of the motor cortex. Sophisticated artificial intelligence algorithms then learn to interpret these signals, translating them into commands for external devices. For Dong Hui, these commands controlled a robotic glove, enabling him to retrain his hand movements. The researchers' ambitious hypothesis is that by synchronizing the brain's descending signals with any remaining sensory input from the body, the nervous system's natural ability to reorganize itself can be stimulated, potentially enhancing rehabilitation without external electrical stimulation.

This innovative approach, termed "bridging neural repair," is considered one of the system's most novel contributions. While companies like Neuralink have previously captured headlines with brain-computer interface (BCI) advancements, China's approval of NEO marks a crucial transition. It signifies the first time an invasive BCI has moved beyond the experimental phase to become a viable medical product available for commercial use, potentially paving the way for widespread application in treating neurological conditions and injuries.

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The concept, known as bridging neural repair, represents one of the most novel contributions of the system.