China has become the first country to approve a commercial brain–computer interface (BCI), named NEO, for treating paralysis and neck injuries. Developed by Neuracle Medical Technology, the implant translates a patient’s thoughts into movement, enabling users to perform basic tasks using assistive devices like robotic gloves.
After 18 months of clinical trials involving 32 patients with no adverse effects, China’s National Medical Products Administration authorized NEO for sale. The implant is positioned on the brain’s motor cortex and connects to external devices, allowing precise movement control.
China’s approval positions the country at the forefront of global BCI research and commercialization. A national policy roadmap outlines 17 steps to make China a global leader in the sector within five years, moving brain-computer interface technology from experimental research into early commercial deployment.
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